How Will I Get Where I Need to Go?
Dear Adia,
My husband and I have lived in Manhattan Beach for over 50 years in the original house we purchased when my husband started working at Northrop Grumman. We have enjoyed an active and fun lifestyle living in the beach cities. 
We often brag to our friends about the success our two children have had since moving out of state. Recently, we had a major set back that has changed our lives drastically; we lost our privilege to drive. Due to the inefficient transportation system in the Beach Cities as well as not having family in town, we have been less and less active. It's beginning to feel like our world is closing-in on us! Even the most basic joys of my week like getting my hair and nails done have been a struggle in trying to keep appointments. The last straw came a week ago when my husband missed an important appointment with his cardiologist because my housekeeper quit - unexpectedly. We depended on her for the occasional ride. She promised to be there to help and take my husband to his appointment. Later, we learned that she accepted an offer to work elsewhere for more hours than we needed. Oh boy, were we surprised!! What options do I have in the South Bay for transportation and occasional help around the house without having to promise full time work and not be left in a lurch?
Our Best,
Mr. and Mrs. Car-less
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Car-Less,
Aging affects the reaction time, sight and hearing. Your reasons for not driving anymore can be due to accidents or near misses, difficultly seeing pedestrians, or adverse reaction to medication preventing you from driving safely. Despite this, your ability to live independently should not be based on whether you can drive or not. Living without a car should not make you homebound - it's simply a lifestyle change! Today, there are many options enabling older adults to continue their favorite activities and remain mobile. Below you will find a list of options allowing you to move freely around the community. Keep in mind there are pros and cons for each option:
- Taxi Service
- Hire a Private Driver
- Paratransit Service
- Senior Transportation Services / Senior Shuttle
- Local Senior Car-Pool Program
- Call a friend, neighbor or volunteer
- Hire a Caregiver / Home Care Company
Options 1-6 are restricted to transportation only and may have possible schedule conflicts. Hiring a Home Care / Caregiver Company (option 7) like Adia provides a wider range of services including transportation. In this case, you receive more value since the person is able to provide more than just transportation, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminder, and joyful companionship, if and when needed. Thus, hiring a homecare company can provide greater access to a full range of activities that contribute to quality of life.
Before making a decision, create a list of your needs and activities throughout the week. Second, create a schedule and timeline of destinations. Third, research the options in your community and compare each option based on affordability, accessibility, safety / auto insurance, driving history, reliability, payment terms, minimum hours of service and geographic service areas. Also, consider whether you need the transportation provider to be wheelchair or walker-friendly.
People often look to family and friends for transportation assistance. This may be a good temporary option, but it may not always be the most convenient for you or them - every time. There are many options that enable you to remain mobile and "go out and about, safely" on your terms.
Yours truly,
Adia LLC