Blog
February 14, 2023
Transportation to Medical and Other Appointments in New York State
| One of the areas of concern and need for the 850 seniors that took the NYSARA/NYSOFA Survey was the dilemma of not being able to find transportation to medical or other appointments. That help is available through many county office’s for the aging. If you read below you will find parameters of the NYS office for the aging’s transportation offerings.
Whether seeking a ride to a physician’s office or to the nutrition center, or looking for information on driver safety, older New Yorkers need to know where they can get assistance to meet their transportation needs. Transportation is a pivotal component in the array of services provided by the area agencies on aging and their local partners in New York State. All local area agencies on aging throughout the state devote resources to support community transportation for older adults. Older adults use transportation services to access needed services and to maintain their dignity, independence, and ties to their communities. Transportation to Appointment Some local offices for the aging and senior centers offer transportation to doctor appointments, nutrition sites, shopping or other vital destinations. Contact your local office for the aging or senior center to find out what may be available in your area. Transportation Discounts Many public transportation systems offer discounts for older New Yorkers. New York City, for example, has reduced fares for subway and buses. Residents 65 and older must show their Medicare card or other proof of age to obtain a Reduced Fare Metro Card. For information, contact the New York City Department for the Aging at 311. To determine if you can get discounts, contact your local office for the aging or local transportation system. Anyone planning extensive travel should check with their travel agent or their provider to see if they offer discounts for older New Yorkers. For additional information, contact your local office for the aging. Older Driver Family Assistance Project The Older Driver Family Assistance Project handbook “Are You Concerned” is available for families and caregivers concerned about an older family member who may no longer drive safely. The handbook provides information on where families can turn for assistance and provides strategies to help them with an aging driver. Personal Identification CarFor older New Yorkers who do not drive, or have never driven, a non-driver photo identification card may be purchased from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Some local offices for the aging may also provide identification cards. Contact your local office for the aging to ask if they have such a program. |