For many elderly drivers the dreaded day arrives when they have to hang up the car keys for good. The car has probably been a symbol of their independence for most of their adult lives, which makes this a difficult moment to face.
Yet in reality this need not be the traumatic ‘end of an era’ that many people fear. All it means is changing your approach because there are a vast number of options available as an alternative to driving. With a little planning and the support of family and friends there is no reason why an elderly person who relied on the car for getting out and about can’t enjoy similar levels of freedom without it.
Financial Help with Transport for the Elderly
Many people worry about the expense of driving alternatives, often thinking in terms of high taxi fares. In fact there are plenty of money-saving options and when you stop to add up the costs of car insurance, road tax, petrol, parking and maintenance you could actually be better off without the car!
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Older Person’s Bus Pass. This entitles you to free off-peak travel on buses in England. Off-peak times are generally 9.30am to 11.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays, although outside of cities this may be from 9.00am. On weekends and public holidays there is no time restriction. People born before 6thApril 1950 are eligible on their 60thbirthday whilst those born afterwards become eligible at the state pensionable age for women, whether they are male or female. You should apply to your local council.
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Senior Railcard. Anyone over 60 can buy a senior railcard, which gives a third off most fares for travel anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales (some peak-time restrictions apply in the south-east). Currently a 1-year railcard costs £28 whilst a 3-year version is £65.
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Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme. If you are on a low income then government help may be available to help with travel costs when attending medical appointments. You can find out more at Directgov.
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Disabled Travel. If you can no longer drive because of disability rather than age you should apply for a Disabled Person’s Railcard or bus pass. You may also be entitled to Mobility Allowance.
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Benefits. Whilst not directly related to transport, millions of older people are not claiming the benefits to which they are entitled. You should explore all financial options to ensure you are receiving the help you need.
Local Services Providing Transport for the Elderly
It’s surprising how many schemes are available to provide transport alternatives for older people. These vary between areas so you will need to explore what’s available in your own. Your local council will be able to offer advice here, but you can also enquire about the following:
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Dial-a-Ride. This scheme works on a local basis but operates throughout the country. If you find normal public transport difficult, Dial-a-Ride’s fully accessible minibuses offer a door-to-door service. Once you have registered with the scheme you can book a journey (on a first-come, first-served basis) and will be collected from your home. Prices vary but will be roughly in line with normal public transport fares. You should carry out a local search, but for Hampshire’s service click Dial-a-Ride Hampshire.
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Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS). Dial-a-Ride cannot be used for hospital appointments. For any medical visits you should contact PALS, which provides information for patients, families and their carers. They will be able to tell you about transport schemes in your area which can help you travel to medical appointments. Find out more at PALS.
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Community Transport Schemes. Every area will have a range of different options, but there is a wealth of possibilities. These include shopping transport services, taxi and car share groups, community bus services and retirement clubs. You can see some of the options in Hampshire here.
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Voluntary Organisations. Many voluntary organisations offer transport services for the elderly and disabled, such as the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS). They often provide door-to-door services – you can find out more at the WRVS website. Depending on the organisation there may be some charge or voluntary contribution to help the volunteer drivers cover the costs of driving you. In some schemes the driver will even accompany you and help with, for instance, shopping.
Scooters for the Elderly
For shorter distances a mobility scooter may be ideal. Many of these are even equipped for use on the roads and can be just the job for popping to the shops or visiting local friends. Designed specifically with the elderly and disabled in mind, scooters are simple to use and come in a range of designs so you can easily find one suited to your needs. You can find out more in our article on
mobility scooters.
If you receive the higher rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or are a war pensioner you may be eligible to buy a scooter through the
Motability Scheme.
Shopping
This can seem like one of the most problematic areas if you lose your car. Shopping is a basic part of life and cars are not only helpful in getting to and from the shops, they also make it easier to transport shopping home.
However, once again there are a number of options. Clearly this is one area where family, friends and neighbours can make a big difference. It’s even possible to set up a rota for people willing to help out so at least once a week someone will be available to provide assistance with shopping.
If getting around the shops once you are there is problematic you may be able to benefit from the Shopmobility scheme, which provides wheelchairs and scooters for the use of those in need around larger shopping areas. You can find out more, including details of schemes near you, at the
Shopmobility website.
You may have a volunteer car scheme in your area. This usually works as an organised car share and is provided by such organisations as the Lions and Rotary.
You could also explore shopping options which do not involve travel to the shops. This is not necessarily to replace physical shopping, but it can help out by reducing the amount to be carried home. It can also provide alternatives if you’re not feeling too well.
One such option is the internet – an increasingly popular shopping choice even for those who are fully mobile. We write elsewhere about
getting the elderly online and this is one excellent reason to do so. Internet shopping is convenient and often saves money. All the major supermarkets offer internet shopping services so look online to see what’s available.
Smaller shops also offer helpful services, such as vegetable boxes. These are put together by local greengrocers with your favourite veg or a seasonal selection which can be delivered to your home weekly.
Navigating the Road Ahead
As the population grows steadily older, providing options for the elderly is becoming ever more important and new initiatives are constantly being introduced. It’s important to take time to explore the options in your area. In Hampshire,
Wessex Driveability is a charitable organisation offering driving assessments for the elderly or disabled who may not be able to handle a car safely any more. They can advise on vehicle adaptations to help with driving, but also offer the most up-to-date advice on the options available should you no longer be able to drive.
Being told you have to stop driving is upsetting – there’s no getting away from that. However, if this is the case then it must be remembered it is a decision made in the driver’s interests, as well as other road users. Fortunately, once that initial shock to the system has passed it will soon become clear there is plenty of help available, be it from the state, family and friends or voluntary organisations. Your life doesn’t have to be curtailed. Indeed, you may even find you prefer the more sociable nature of the many options on offer!
Help at Home, Care for the Community
At Nobilis we believe the most comprehensive
in-home care services are rooted in an understanding of the widest community needs. That’s why we are working to create a network of contacts within your area to ensure we know the people, services and organisations which can make your life better. Growing old or infirm carries many negative associations for people and the assumption is that living becomes harder and enjoyment of life deteriorates.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Often, finding an easier route through the challenges brought on by age is about knowing the right people. Get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to act as your guide. Whatever your questions about dealing with the difficulties of age or infirmity, Nobilis can offer constructive, practical advice – whether you’re interested in our homecare services or not.
Give our friendly team a call on 0845 680 0225.