Boston Metro West | Senior Home Care Blog

Concerned About the Elderly Driver in Your Family?

If you’ve ever been in the car when an older family member rolled through a stop sign or came a little too close to the T tracks, you may have wondered: How do I take the keys away? Driving in old age can be a slippery slope – one that most of us motorists will eventually face. According to the National Safety Council, deaths from motor vehicle accidents involving drivers over 65 have spiked significantly in recent years.

The roads in the Boston metropolitan area are even more dangerous in winter, making it a good time to address any concerns you have about an older loved one getting behind the wheel.

Start by Having a Conversation with Your Older Loved One

Change doesn’t always happen overnight. The AARP suggests taking a gradual approach when broaching the subject of an older loved one giving up driving. It’s important to treat the person with respect and listen to their concerns, not simply voice your own. Being mobile is essential to quality of life, and losing the ability to drive might seem threatening to an older person. Not only do they fear being restricted to their homes, but they may be concerned about a general loss of independence as they age.

One of the best tactics you can take is to find convenient, alternative options in the area. Public transportation and rides from friends and family are great but not necessarily long-term solutions. If you explore the area where you live, the city government as well as senior groups have likely come up with helpful alternatives that are low-cost or free.

Alternative Transportation Options for Seniors in Suburban Boston

The Boston Metro West community recognizes the need for seniors and other vulnerable groups to get around, regardless of age. Numerous local organizations have united to assist with alternative forms of assistance. Below are some of the options in your area:

1. NewMo Senior Service

Those 60 and older may enroll in the NewMo senior service. For a couple dollars per trip, you can travel anywhere in Newton. Seniors get access to rides 24/7, year round. Door-to-door service includes certain medical facilities outside of Newton. Get the app or call 617-655-8019.

2. GoGo Newton

Connects people over 65 and disabled people with vetted Lyft and Uber drivers. Rides will take you to a long list of medical facilities, but they must start and end in Newton.

3. MCOA Transportation in Marlborough

People over 60 get access to handicapped accessible transportation for local trips and appointments. 508-485-6492 ext. 32100

4. Waltham city services

The city offers various forms of assistance, including the Council on Aging Shuttle Service, a medical van Monday through Friday, and a Council on Aging Shopping Bus. 781-314-3499

5. Weston COA

Older adults can access different transportation options through the Weston Council on Aging, including the Weston Shuttle, wheelchair accessible transport, discount taxi coupons, and free rides to medical appointments.

6. MWRTA Paratransit/Dial-a-Ride

Paratransit welcomes seniors in Ashland, Hopkinton, Marlborough, Sherborn, Southborough and Wayland. Book your ride two days in advance. 508-820-4650

7. TRIPPS in Brookline

TRIPPS offers safety tips and transportation information for area seniors. For additional help, contact the Transportation Coordinator for the Council on Aging at 617-730-2644 or mfoster@brooklinema.gov.

Right at Home Boston Metro West Services Helps Seniors Get Around Town

Right at Home’s care team understands how critical transportation is in enabling our clientele to maintain their independence and quality of life. We provide a variety of senior care programs that we tailor to the needs and desires of each individual client. If your older loved one needs transportation assistance to stay engaged with their community and live a full life, we can help. Our caregivers help seniors in our programs get to doctor appointments, to the mall to go shopping, and to family visits with their grandchildren.

Call us today or contact us online to find out which Right at Home Boston Metro West care program is right for your family.