Moving to a senior living community provides access to amenities, resources, and services designed to make life safer, healthier, and more convenient. One common and popular service in senior living communities, whether independent living, assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home, is transportation access. Getting to and from medical appointments, errand hot spots, and other places around town without worrying about driving, parking, or traffic is a perk that most senior living residents enjoy. Here’s what you need to know about transportation services in senior living communities.

Drivers and vehicles are regulated

Safety comes first in senior living transportation. Senior living communities, including transportation services, are regulated by the state, and guidelines will vary. Drivers must meet criteria set by the state and the community in order to transport residents. They must have a valid license, and many communities require them to pass other requirements like background checks and ongoing drug testing. In addition, drivers are trained on their vehicles, including how to operate any accessibility lifts. Vehicles are also required to meet certain safety checks, as per state and federal guidelines, and records of any maintenance, accidents, and repairs are kept.

There might be more than one vehicle

Depending on the senior living community and its resources, there might be more than one vehicle for resident transportation. A bus or van, complete with an accessible lift, is a staple in all types of senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. However, there might also be a smaller van or car as well. Having extra vehicles gives the community more opportunities to meet the needs of the residents.

Senior transportation services may run on a schedule to set locations

Transportation services in most senior living communities run on a specific schedule to planned locations. For example, a senior living community might offer shuttles to certain medical offices on certain days of the week and on other days go to grocery stores, banks, and other errand locations. The schedule is often posted throughout the community, included in newsletters, or passed out to each resident in monthly calendars. The schedule allows residents to best plan their week based on their needs.

Also be sure to check out the map of shuttle stops so you know how to plan your excursion or make adjustments to your plans if necessary. For example, if you prefer Target but the shuttle only stops at Walmart, you’ll have to shop at Walmart or plan another way to get to Target. 

You may have to sign up for a ride

Depending on your community, you will likely need to sign up ahead of time to use transportation services for events like:

• Attending an outing that the activities department has planned.
• Going to the bank or doctor’s appointments on the shuttle.

Most senior living communities have sign-up forms available at the front desk, concierge desk, or activity desk. You might also be able to call those desks to provide your information and get on the list.

Some senior living communities offer private transportation in addition to preplanned shuttles and outings. This might include a ride to a medical specialist in the community’s car. You must arrange for these special requests in advance. Be sure to check your community’s transportation guidelines so you can schedule your ride with enough time.

Senior transportation services might come at a cost

The majority of senior living communities provide transportation, especially on scheduled shuttles or to planned outings, at no additional cost. However, some senior communities charge for transportation services. In addition, certain circumstances might incur an additional cost on your monthly bill. Examples of those exceptions can include:

• Private trips.
• Transportation to a place outside of a community-set radius.
• Transportation that requires a community escort.

If you’re not sure if your preferred ride will cost extra, check with the facility to learn about additional fees.

Mobility and cognitive health may be a factor

When planning to use community transportation, remember to be realistic with physical and cognitive abilities, and familiarize yourself with community guidelines. For example, if you or your loved one uses a wheelchair, don’t book a car ride that might require an independent transfer. Similarly, if a loved one has early-stage dementia, it can be dangerous to schedule transportation that is not chaperoned by a community staff member.

Check with the senior living community to learn more about their safety guidelines. They may be able to offer alternatives (sometimes at an additional cost) that can help to meet their guidelines and keep you or your loved one safe.

You should have a backup plan in place

Just like any public transportation service, your senior living community transportation can sometimes have some hiccups. A driver might call in sick, and the community might need to cancel the regular shuttle service until they find a substitute. The activity staff might have overbooked the museum trip and need to make two trips instead of one.

Stay flexible and patient. Remember that your community staff is doing the best they can. However, it is always wise to have a backup plan ready in case you need to get somewhere and community transportation isn’t available. Other options include:

• Family and friends in the area who can drive you.
• Taxi service.
• Uber or Lyft.

Residents can impact transportation offerings

Senior living communities want to hear what is and isn’t working from the perspectives of residents, guests, and family members. Some communities might have a transportation committee that meets regularly to discuss schedules, routes, and concerns. Others might include transportation as a topic during resident council or family council meetings. 

When you have an idea or a concern, address it with the transportation team. You can offer your perspective constructively, ask the team to consider making changes, or at least bring it up to additional residents to see if there is a need for a change.

Senior living transportation services are a valuable resource

Transportation services in senior living communities provide a valuable resource, offering convenience, safety, and independence for residents. Whether it’s scheduled shuttles or private rides, these services are designed to meet the needs of residents. By understanding the available options, community guidelines, and possible costs, you can make the most of your community’s transportation offerings.

Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.