Resource Center

When your loved one needs to visit the doctor, attend therapy, or simply keep up with regular check-ups, getting there shouldn't add stress to an already full plate. Medical transportation services are like having a trusted friend with keys always at the ready—someone who understands that Mom might need extra time to get from the front door to the car, or that Dad's walker needs to fit comfortably in the vehicle. These specialized rides come with drivers trained to assist with mobility challenges, oxygen tanks, or other special needs. Unlike regular taxis or rideshares, medical transportation providers ensure your loved one arrives with dignity—on time for appointments, with a helping hand for those few steps into the waiting room, and the reassurance that someone caring will be there for the return trip home. Even if you plan to attend the appointment with your loved one, you may not have a vehicle suitable for medical transport. Many insurance plans do help with transportation costs, but coverage varies depending on your situation. Medicare Part B typically covers emergency ambulance services when medically necessary, but what about those regular doctor visits? If your loved one has Medicare Advantage or Medicaid, they may qualify for non-emergency medical transportation to doctor appointments, therapy sessions, and pharmacy visits. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer transportation as a special benefit—sometimes covering a certain number of one-way trips each year. Private insurance plans differ widely, with some offering transportation benefits while others don't. The key is checking your loved one's specific policy before assuming costs will be covered. Also, your local AAA is a good place to find medical transportation providers. Even if you aren't providing the rides, someone on your team is likely to be involved managing the process. With KareTeam, coordinating these essential rides becomes one less worry on your family's caregiving journey.

Getting out and about isn't just about medical appointments—it's about living a full life! For your aging loved one, a trip to the grocery store, the weekly book club, or a cherished friend's birthday celebration can be the highlight of their week. Non-medical ride services offer friendly, reliable transportation that keeps your loved one connected to the community and activities they enjoy. Of course, a regular taxi service can be an option assuming your loved one is capable of riding in an ordinary car. But there are also services specifically for seniors. Many drivers are specially trained to assist with packages, offer a steady arm for balance, or simply provide cheerful conversation along the way. Unlike medical transport, these services focus on life's everyday adventures—picking up prescriptions, visiting the hair salon, attending religious services, or meeting friends for coffee. Senior-specific transportation services, like ITNAmerica or local "senior shuttles," offer membership-based rides with drivers trained specifically to assist older adults. Once again, an internet search or checking with the AAA in your area will be the way to find these services. Even if a member of your KareTeam is available and willing to drive, your aging loved one may “not want to bother you” and will preserve sense of independence if they don’t need to rely on you for all their rides. In any case, you may need to coordinate these quality-of-life journeys as tasks in your KareTeam plan, ensuring Mom or Dad maintains both their independence and their social connections, while you enjoy the peace of mind knowing they're in good hands wherever they're headed.

While many aren’t aware of it, today’s rideshare services have evolved to become a surprisingly good fit for many older adults, offering convenience that works well with changing transportation needs. With just a few taps on a smartphone—or even a simple phone call through special senior-focused services—your loved one can have a personal driver arrive at their doorstep within minutes. Companies like Lyft and Uber have developed senior-friendly features, including options for family members to schedule and pay for rides remotely, simplified apps with larger text, and the ability to request drivers who can provide extra assistance. Some rideshare companies have even partnered with healthcare providers and senior organizations to offer specialized training for drivers serving older adults. Lyft Silver is the program Lyft offers for seniors and their families. Uber has a similar offering, but also overs a simple call-to-ride option for seniors uncomfortable using an app, but wanting to book for themselves. A company called GoGoGrandparent has also gotten into the game, essentially offering a call based front end service for either Lyft of Uber. For many families and their aging loved ones, rideshare services fill the gap between family-provided transportation and more formal medical transport, providing flexibility for spontaneous outings to the garden center, last-minute lunch with friends, or a quick trip to pick up a forgotten item. The ability to track the ride in real-time also gives family members welcome peace of mind, knowing exactly when Mom or Dad has arrived safely at their destination.

Volunteer-based community ride services bring together caring neighbors who donate their time and vehicles to help older adults stay connected to the places that matter. These grassroots programs often operate through faith communities, senior centers, or dedicated nonprofit organizations, creating a network of trusted drivers who understand the unique needs of aging adults in their own community. Unlike commercial services, volunteer drivers typically offer more than just transportation—they provide companionship, a helping hand with groceries, or assistance navigating a busy community event. Many programs ask for only a suggested donation or operate entirely free of charge, making them an affordable option for regular outings. The personal relationships that develop between drivers and riders often become meaningful connections that extend beyond the car ride itself, creating a circle of community care that enriches everyone involved. Again an internet search or your local Area Agency on Aging is going to be the best way to find out about these volunteer-based, community services. Someone from your family may need to research to find these services for your aging loved one, and help them get comfortable with the idea. And your KareTeam based team may want to coordinate with these volunteer services, keeping track of favorite drivers and preferred scheduling arrangements while maintaining the warm, personal touch that makes these community-based programs so valuable to seniors aging in place.

When transportation needs arise, many families discover a blessing in their own spiritual community. Religious organizations—churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples—often maintain vibrant volunteer driver programs that serve their senior members with both practical help and spiritual care. These faith-based transportation networks typically operate through a coordinator who matches volunteer drivers with seniors needing rides to worship services and other church activities. In some cases, the organization may also offer rides for medical appointments, grocery shopping, or other social activities. What makes these programs special is the shared connection between driver and passenger—a common faith that creates immediate trust and understanding. Many religious communities see this service as a natural extension of their mission to care for one another, offering rides completely free of charge as a ministry of love and support. If your loved one lives in some type of senior living community, they may also offer rides to regular services such as Sunday morning worship services. Check with the senior living community to see if this is an available option. For seniors who have been longtime members of their faith community, these rides provide not just transportation but also meaningful social connection with fellow congregants who share their values and history. Families can easily use KareTeam to track and coordinate with their loved one's religious organization, integrating these compassionate ride services into the overall care plan while honoring the important spiritual dimensions of their loved one's life and community.

Many communities—seeking to be more age-friendly communities—have transformed their public transportation systems to better serve older adults, creating affordable options that go far beyond the standard bus route. Senior-friendly public transit often includes reduced fares—sometimes as little as half-price or even free with a senior ID card. Paratransit services—specialized door-to-door transportation for those who can't use regular bus routes—provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and drivers trained to assist passengers with mobility challenges. Some cities offer "dial-a-ride" programs where seniors can schedule pickups by phone for flexible, on-demand service. Senior shuttle services frequently run regular routes connecting senior housing, shopping centers, medical facilities, and community centers—creating predictable transportation seniors can count on. Many public transit systems now feature senior-specific amenities like priority seating, lower steps, kneeling buses, and clearly announced stops to accommodate vision and hearing changes. For families using KareTeam, public transportation options often become an important piece of the overall mobility puzzle—offering independence for routine trips while preserving family resources for situations when more personalized transportation is needed. The key is knowing what's available in your community and helping your loved one learn to navigate these services confidently.

Air travel doesn't have to be overwhelming or out of reach for your aging loved one, thanks to thoughtful services many airlines have developed specifically for senior travelers. Most major carriers offer complimentary wheelchair assistance from curbside check-in through baggage claim at your destination—a service that can transform a potentially exhausting journey into a manageable experience. Seniors can request special seating accommodations, including bulkhead or aisle seats for easier movement, and many airlines allow early boarding for passengers who need extra time getting settled. Some carriers provide escort services to help navigate large airports, assist with connections, or provide a reassuring presence throughout the journey. For seniors with medical needs, airlines can accommodate oxygen concentrators, special meals, or medication refrigeration with advance notice. Many carriers also offer senior discount fares or special vacation packages designed with older travelers in mind. And some offer an extra level of concierge service for an additional fee. If you’re helping an aging loved one book air travel, first check on the services available from the carriers as part of your booking decision. Having a travel companion to assist may be necessary in some cases. If a spouse or pattern is available and capable, this is the most common option. Or, you may have a family or friend member of the KareTeam book alongside as a travel companion, especially if the travel is for a special family event. For families using KareTeam to coordinate travel plans, these airline accommodations can be requested during booking and noted in your loved one's care profile, ensuring everyone involved in their care knows what arrangements have been made. With proper planning and the right support services, air travel remains an accessible adventure for seniors visiting family for special occasions, or returning to favorite vacation spots.

Train travel offers a uniquely civilized transportation option that many seniors find both nostalgic and practical. With spacious seating, the freedom to move about during the journey, and picturesque views rolling by the window, trains provide a comfortable alternative to the cramped quarters of airplanes or the driving demands of car travel. Amtrak and many regional rail services offer senior discounts—typically 10-15% off regular fares for passengers 65 and older—making this mode of transportation budget-friendly for fixed-income travelers. Most trains feature accessible accommodations including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and priority seating for those with mobility challenges. For longer journeys, sleeping compartments provide privacy and a real bed, allowing seniors to rest comfortably while covering substantial distances. Station services have evolved to support older travelers too, with many offering red cap assistance for luggage, wheelchair service throughout the station, and simplified boarding procedures. You generally won’t have the same kind of online tracking for train travel. Regardless, train journeys can be an excellent option that balances independence with appropriate support, allowing your loved one to enjoy the journey itself rather than merely enduring the trip to reach their destination.