As we age, it can become more challenging to get around. This can make it hard to get to doctor appointments, run errands, or even visit friends and family. There are a few options available to help make getting around a little easier. This guide will highlight a few options for getting to and from your appointments as a senior citizen.
Friends and Family Members
There are a few different ways to get to your appointments as a senior citizen if you own a car or if you know someone who does. If you have a car, driving yourself is the easiest way to get to your appointments. Just make sure you plan ahead and leave enough time for traffic and parking. If you’re not comfortable driving in certain areas or during rush hour traffic, ask a friend or family member to give you a lift instead. If you live within walking distance from your nearest medical facility, consider having a friend or family member walk you there. While you could walk there yourself, it’s best to have a companion to make sure you arrive safely and on time. A walk is a great low-impact exercise that will help you feel more energized for the rest of your day.
Public or Volunteer Transportation
Using public transportation is a convenient way to get around without a car. The first thing you should do is to look up the location of the doctor’s office and then find the closest bus or train stop. Once you’ve found the stop, you can use Google Maps or a similar navigation app to plan your route. Make sure to allow enough time to get from your home to the stop and from the stop to the doctor’s office. You may also want to bring a copy of your appointment letter or card with you just in case there are any questions.
Some cities offer volunteer transportation services. This is a free service that is powered by the assistance of volunteers, who pick up and drop off senior citizens. This service is similar to public transportation but is more often free and exclusive for seniors or those who are disabled. Contact your city’s transportation office or a local volunteer transportation website to find your local volunteer transportation options.
Taxi or Ride-sharing Services
For seniors, using taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be the best way to ensure you get to and from your primary care and other services in Staten Island, NY, on time and without any trouble. These services are often more reliable and quicker than waiting for public transportation. However, it’s more expensive—especially if you have frequent doctor appointments. For a taxi, call ahead and order a taxi for the day of your appointment. Make sure you have the address of your doctor’s office handy. When the taxi arrives, help the driver load your belongings and hop in.
If you want to try a ride share for seniors, you can order an Uber or Lyft the moment you need a ride to your appointment. When it arrives, make sure you’re entering the correct vehicle and match the description of the car with the information listed in the mobile app. Your driver will already know where to go since you have to input your desired location before you get picked up. You can also pay for the ride and add a tip within the mobile app, making this choice more convenient than regular taxis.
There are a few helpful ways to get to and from appointments as a senior citizen. By choosing any of these options, you’ll be able to visit your primary care provider, or any other medical professional, safely and quickly.
