Can You Have a Car While Living in Assisted Living?

You can have a car while living in assisted living if permitted by the policies of the facility you’re considering. Some assisted living facilities allow residents to have their own cars, and they provide designated parking spots. Others restrict or discourage residents from having personal vehicles due to safety concerns or limitations in parking space. Certain facilities also offer transportation services or have arrangements with local providers to assist residents with mobility.

If you’re like many seniors, maintaining a level of independence while in assisted living includes the ability to have a personal vehicle. Once you find a facility that interests you, inquire about the specific policies regarding car ownership, and discuss your circumstances with the staff. They’ll provide you with information about parking, transportation options and any other rules about operating a car while on their premises.

Assisted living facilities that allow residents to use their personal vehicles often require a written note of clearance from a doctor or approval from family members. This ensures the safety of the resident as well as others in the community since certain struggles, such as declining eyesight, reduced peripheral vision, slower reflexes and a decrease in spatial awareness, often accompany aging. Talk with your family members to determine if you truly need a vehicle and if having one outweighs the chore of maintenance and upkeep.

When an assisted living facility limits or prohibits personal vehicle ownership, it may provide alternative transportation options. Some facilities offer shuttle services to help residents run errands, attend medical appointments or engage in social activities. The facility might also have partnerships with local transportation providers to ensure seniors have access to reliable transportation services.

Open communication with facility staff and full awareness of amenities help provide clarity on available services to address individual needs. In addition to shuttles for group activities, facilities might have private vehicles to transport seniors to appointments or offer concierge services for personal shopping. Rideshare options from private drivers or public transit also help seniors maintain a certain level of independence. Of course, some assisted living communities provide so many amenities on-site that seniors thrive without their cars.