Is it Time to Stop Driving?

For some seniors the answer is obvious. They may be too visually impaired to continue driving.
Just consider these vision and driving facts:

• Vision provides about 85% of information we need to make safe decisions when driving.
• A 60-year-old requires 10 times as much light to drive as a 19-year-old.
• A 55-year-old takes eight times longer to recover from glare than a 16-year-old.
• Older drivers can take twice as long to distinguish the flash of brake lights as younger drivers.

A study of the problems seniors face with transportation was conducted by the Beverly Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Seniordrivers.org summarized their findings with the following themes:

• Seniors continue driving “as long as possible because they are unaware of, or do not believe they have, alternative means of transportation.”
• Seniors “limit their driving or stop driving altogether because of functional difficulties.”
• “By the time they stop driving, many older adults are so disabled that they are unable to use most public and para-transit systems.”
• “Next to health, transportation is the most important issue for seniors.”

Assessing a Transportation Provider

As you begin to research transportation providers, consider these questions:

• Are there any requirements to qualify for the service?
• Are the rides for wheelchair users and the disabled?
• Are family members able to serve as an escort? Is there an additional charge?
• Is the service door-to-door or curb-to-curb?
• What is the service area?
• Will the driver assist with bags, wheelchairs, etc.?
• Are rides provided on the weekends, evenings and holidays?
• If others are riding at the same time, what is the maximum time for pick up and drop off?
• What is the cost?
• How are fees calculated?
• Are there any discounts? E.g., Is my income a factor?
• Is there a membership fee?
• Is a reservation needed? How far in advance?
• Will my insurance pay for rides?

Medical Transportation Options

Finding transportation to go to the grocery store, or to visit friends, is one thing. Finding transportation to go to a doctor’s appointment is another matter entirely. Showing up to these appointments, whether it be a test, a medical procedure, or just an ordinary checkup, is vital to your health.

Because of this, relying on public transportation might not be the best option in medical situations. Fortunately, when medical necessity is a factor, certain other options are made cheaper and more convenient.

Initial Considerations

The first thing to consider is your overall health. Certain conditions can make travel difficult or uncomfortable, including…

• Physical Disabilities
• Arthritis
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Colostomy
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Mental Health Issues

Talk to your doctor before you leave, to see if any medical issues may make a long-distance trip difficult, or if they have any recommendations for how to travel, or what can be done to make it easier.

You also need to determine how you’ll be traveling. Will someone be driving you? Will you be flying? Will you be taking a train or a bus? And will you be traveling alone, or will someone else go with you?

Especially if you have limited mobility, it’s better to travel with a close friend or family member. Someone who knows your medical history and is familiar with your needs can help you if any issues arise, and provide pertinent information in the event of an emergency.

Senior and Non-Emergency Transportation in Omaha

Seniors maintaining their independence is crucial for healthy and active aging. A big part of independence is transportation. If you’re unable to drive, consider using personal transportation whether it’s a large service like ITNAmerica or your local para-transit service.