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Do Assisted Living Facilities Provide Transportation for Residents?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
As people get older, they often find they’re no longer interested in driving, and that’s especially true of those who seek out assisted living care. The vast majority of assisted living facilities provide transportation for residents to help seniors retain their independence and stay as active as possible.
The type of transportation varies widely between facilities, and some assisted living communities offer a range of transportation options, including scheduled bus service, town car service and on-demand rides. In general, if transportation services are provided, these services don’t include an escort or caregiver.
Scheduled Transportation in Assisted Living Facilities
With the exception of small, family-style facilities, known as board-and-care homes, most assisted living facilities have a designated vehicle such as a passenger van or small bus that’s used by staff to transport residents. This vehicle is often wheelchair-accessible so seniors who use walkers, wheelchairs or mobility scooters can ride in comfort and safety.
Large assisted living communities often offer regularly scheduled trips to nearby shopping areas and medical centers so residents can coordinate their off-site medical appointments with the community’s transportation schedule. In general, scheduled transportation is included in the monthly assisted living rate, but it’s always a good idea to ask about any additional transportation costs when choosing a facility.
On-Demand Transportation
In addition to providing residents with scheduled rides to local destinations, many assisted living facilities provide on-demand transportation to medical and dental appointments, church services and special events. Some resort-style assisted living facilities even offer town car service.
Additional Transportation Options for Assisted Living Residents
Along with transportation services that may be provided by the assisted living facility, residents may have access to one or more additional transportation options. These options could include:
- Taxis
- Local public transit service
- Paratransit service
- Volunteer drivers who transport older adults to medical appointments, church services and community activities
- Rideshare services