When it comes to taking care of your loved one, it’s important to prioritize getting out of the house for their overall well-being. We can all relate to feeling cooped up for too long- the senior in your life is no different. Although doctor’s appointments and fun outings are essential, it can be difficult to figure out how your loved one will actually get there. Especially in the summer months in Phoenix when venturing out can become dangerously hot.
Here at Home Instead, we have plenty of experience with senior transportation options in Phoenix. Although each option has its pros and cons, we want to help walk you through what’s available to ensure you make the best choice for your loved one. Best of all, we want to help provide the transportation you’re looking for, with the peace-of-mind you deserve.
I feel confident in my loved one’s ability to navigate on their own… what options are available?
If driving is no longer an option for your loved one, but you still feel comfortable with their daily navigation capabilities, there are a few options you can choose from. Public transportation is an excellent option in Phoenix, especially the metro areas. Valley Metro runs a wide range of neighborhood circulars like the Obit in Tempe, POGO in Peoria which are great for smaller within neighborhood rides. Valley Metro is also developing what is called microtransit on demand transit options in some areas. Buses and the light rail are great options for seniors who can independently travel short distances allowing a sense of independence for small tasks, but many people don’t realize that Valley Metro bus service doesn’t cover the far West Valley. Bus service and light rail of course require some walking to get to and from a pick up location which we understand may be prohibitive for our population, especially in the summer months.
Options For Senior Transportation in Phoenix:
- Uber or Lyft
- Volunteer/Non Profit Transportation Services
- Public transportation
- Private transportation from a caregiving service like Home Instead
If public transportation causes a bit of unease in either you or your loved one, rideshare is another choice to consider. Uber and Lyft are great options to get dropped off at the exact doorstep your family needs, but requires your loved one to use their cell phone for scheduling and tracking purposes. Although it’s a bit less daunting than public transportation, safety can still be a challenge when using a service with someone you don’t trust yet.
Someone told me that we could contact a volunteer organization for free transportation, is this a thing?
Yes Phoenix has a wide variety of volunteer organizations supporting low cost or no cost senior transportation. Some of them like Northwest Valley Connect will even call and organize a Lyft or an Uber for your loved one and follow their journey remotely. Some of our favorite options in addition to Northwest Valley connect are: Duet, Benevilla, YOPAS, May Mobility, Neighbors Who Care there are at least a dozen more, depending on where you live, this can be a great option. They can take you to your doctors appointments, pick up groceries with you, or other needed appointments. These organizations depend on volunteers and donations from the community and sometimes need to prioritize or have a waitlist for services. If your loved one has frequent doctors appointments or are completely homebound it is beneficial to have a more permanent solution.
I’ve heard of senior community shuttles, can my loved one use them?
Staying connected with the community is vital for your loved one's well-being. Senior community shuttles are a fantastic way for seniors to engage in social activities, attend events, and visit local hotspots.
At Home Instead, we can help your loved one access and utilize these shuttle services, providing them with a supportive and engaging experience that fosters companionship and friendship.
We want to make it clear, this option is not intended for specific drop off locations and may not fully solve your driving needs. If a dedicated driver is still needed, let Home Instead assist you! Our Care Pros have flexible scheduling options, making it simple to coordinate needed senior transportation for even a few hours each week.
My loved one has mobility challenges, is there an option for them?
For seniors with mobility challenges, paratransit services can be a great option to consider. The eligibility criteria and paperwork are the first step, but from there the transportation is very similar to Phoenix’s city bus scheduling.
We understand it can be difficult to feel comfortable sending your loved one on any public transit service, even if it’s for mobility challenges. By working with Home Instead, we can establish a trusting relationship between your family and Care Pro to ensure senior transportation for mobility is no longer a cause for concern.
I’m not comfortable with any of these options… can a caregiver drive my loved one?
As part of our dedication to your loved one's well-being, our Care Pros offers a unique service: we can drive your loved one ourselves! We believe the heart of caregiving is more than just a commitment, but a sense of companionship. Home Instead is dedicated to ensuring your senior feels comfortable and cared for during every outing.
When a Care Pro drives your loved one, it's not just about getting from point A to point B. We make it an enjoyable experience of good conversation and the satisfaction of knowing they are in safe hands. Whether it's a doctor's appointment or a fun outing, our Care Pros will be there, ready to help with all transportation duties.
Although there's a multitude of senior transportation options in Phoenix, at Home Instead, we take pride in supporting your loved one in whatever capacity you need. With our flexible scheduling, a Care Pro will assist in senior transportation no matter how frequently you need it. This way, your loved one’s daily routine gets one step easier.
Here at Home Instead, we want to help your family in any way possible. If you’re in need of more information on senior transportation options in Phoenix, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
