Transportation is a serious challenge for many seniors.
They may have lost the ability to safely drive, perhaps due to failing eyesight or another health problem (there are various warning signs to look out for). In other cases, financial challenges may limit their ability to own or maintain a vehicle.
Whatever the reason, transportation is critical for helping seniors age in place. It can be the difference between a senior staying in their home and community, versus having to consider assisted living or a retirement home.
For example, lack of transportation can leave seniors feeling isolated and can create the sense that they have no control over their lives. Seniors with limited transport options may also miss medical appointments, struggle to interact with friends, and be unable to meet all their needs.
There are various possible solutions to these challenges, including public transportation, ridesharing and services offered by senior centers.
But, in this post, we’re looking at a different angle – Uber.
What is Uber?
You’ve probably already heard about it. But, in case you’re unfamiliar, Uber is a ridesharing service, where users make requests using an app.
The system allows for much cheaper transport than taxis. It is also a relatively simple way for drivers to earn money, which explains why there are so many drivers out there.
Uber is already incredibly popular among seniors and many rely on it regularly.
Advantages of Uber
The biggest advantage of Uber has to be the flexibility. Seniors can use Uber to go pretty much anywhere. That’s much more powerful than relying on public transportation.
Uber is also affordable. The cost is related to the time and the distance. Most seniors will be able to afford to use Uber, especially for short distances.
There are various features to make this aspect easier as well. For example, the app can provide an estimation of the fare. It also allows the fare to be split between two people.
For the most part, Uber is also easy to use. The app is very intuitive, especially for seniors who are already familiar with phone and tablet apps.
Disadvantages of Uber
The biggest issue with Uber is safety. Many people are concerned about this aspect, as Uber does not use the same detailed vetting processes that taxi and public transport companies use.
There are also stories about issues with Uber drivers, although these are rare.
Thankfully, there are improvements to driver vetting as time goes along, so the risk is low. The service also has rating systems for drivers. As a result, the bad drivers don’t tend to stick around for very long.
Even with vetting, some seniors may be uncomfortable with the idea of Uber. For many, it will be an unfamiliar concept and may be scary.
One way around this is to travel with the senior for the first few times. This can help them get familiar with the processes and know exactly what to expect. They may start to make friends with some of the drivers too, which can help matters.
The other limitation is the technology. Uber is easy to use for people familiar with smartphones. But, some seniors will struggle with the technology. They may not be able to effectively call a ride or may get confused easily.
Still, there are ways around this limitation.
Uber Without a Smartphone
Uber has also been focusing on the senior market recently, along with other groups of people. As part of this, they’ve developed Family Profiles for Uber accounts. This aspect allows multiple users on the same account, tied back into a single payment method.
There is also the ability to Request for a Guest. This means that as a caregiver, you can setup the Uber rides yourself. Your family member doesn’t even need to have a smartphone.
These aspects are particularly relevant for seniors who struggle with technology. They are still able to use Uber and get rides, without having to stress. But, if possible, it would be best for the senior to use the app themselves. The ability to organize their own rides would help many seniors to feel independent.
There are also some services that allow people to request rides by dialing and speaking to an operator, rather than using an app. One example is 24Hr HomeCare and the other is GreatCall. You can read more about both options here.
Other Options and Services
There are also some similar services out there. Uber’s largest competitor is Lyft, which works in roughly the same way.
Like Uber, Lyft has been focusing on ways to help seniors get around. This includes a program that was being trialed in New York City called Concierge that provided transport to non-emergency medical appointments.
Lyft also allows people to schedule rides, which reduces stress and helps ensure that there is always a ride available when one is needed. This part of the service isn’t available everywhere, so you’ll need to check to see if you have access to it.
There are often other local services as well, so you can look around. But, Uber and Lyft are particularly well known and have significant infrastructure. These aspects alone make them a good choice.
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