Transportation

Driving is often associated with independence, but what happens when you choose not to drive or safety becomes an issue? Lack of transportation contributes to isolation, poor health, and decreased quality of life in general. Don’t be discouraged—there are alternatives out there! Every community has some transportation options available. Depending on your destination and physical needs, transportation choices include buses, vans, taxis, or volunteer driver programs. Transportation programs and services vary from one community to another, as does the cost. Services can be provided free, on a donation basis, a set fare, a sliding fee scale, or through a voucher system.

Studies show that if alternate transportation options are sought and tried before they are needed, individuals are more accepting of giving up driving, and this transition becomes easier. Age is not the sole determining factor if you should be driving or not; driving is one of the most complex activities we do. It involves hand eye coordination, hearing, range of motion, strength, flexibility, reflexes, vision, and decision-making—and they all tend to deteriorate as we age. What you do have is the experience you've gained from years of driving that can benefit you on the road. The issue becomes, when is the time to stop? There are many useful links below as well as tools and assessments to help you build or test your skills necessary for driving safely. Did you know there are adaptive devices that can help you get in and out of the car, enhance your mirrors, open your gas tank, or turn the key?  These tools have been helpful for individuals after knee replacements, those developing arthritis, and even for “back-seat” drivers! There are also links about giving up the keys and transportation options available.

For families there are several links addressing the issue of driving in your family, whether it is due to a recent dementia diagnosis, concern about the safety of your loved one, or options for getting rides that will take some of the pressure off you.

Many transportation programs throughout the state can be found below. Although the whole state is not represented in these links (we are working on it!), your local county/tribal aging unit or Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will also be able to assist you in finding transportation options in your community. Click here to find your nearest ADRC or tribal/county aging unit.

Be proactive!  Learn about adaptive devices, use the assessments and skill builders, and check out what transportation options are in your area. 

Keeping You Safe While You Drive

AAA Foundation: Driving Decisions - Safe mobility resources for seniors
Roadwise Review: A tool to help seniors drive safely longer 
AARP CarFit: Look for a CarFit event in your area 
AARP Safe Driving Course: Find a course near you or register for the online course 
Online Driver Improvement Course 
Older Driver Self Rating Form 

Giving Up the Keys

We Need to Talk: Online seminar on talking about giving up the keys 
At a Crossroad: Dementia and driving 
Alzheimer’s Association: Dementia and Driving 

Transportation Options

Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV) Van
Northeast Wisconsin Regional Access to Transportation (NEWRAT) 
National Center on Senior Transportation: Transportation Guidance
Southwest Wisconsin Transit – LIFT Program
Transportation Options for Older Adults