Road Warrior: There are ways to get around without a car

Feb. 09--When I used Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's car accident as the basis for a column last month, I didn't think it was going to turn into a multipart series. There are plenty of other matters I want to touch on -- maybe its my imagination, but potholes seem to have gotten out of control this year.

But I keep finding reasons to revisit what happens when people reach an age where they need to give up driving. Last week, I wanted to share some stories from readers who have been through that process with a parent, offering some personal insights instead of my well-intentioned thoughts. Now, I realize I need to do another U-turn and talk about something I didn't bring up -- once someone gives up driving, how are they supposed to get around?

This can't be an afterthought. People need to get groceries, see the doctor and socialize. And I can't stress that social element enough. Without a plan in place that allows non-drivers to get out and about, we're essentially sentencing them to home confinement.

This column will look at this from the perspective of a senior who's had to give up driving, but honestly, most of these options apply to anyone making due without a car for medical, financial or other reasons.

One reader shared the game plan she and her mother put together. I found it to be great advice and wanted to share it here.

My mom drove till the age of 87. The last few years were very limited local driving, but it became more difficult with increasing traffic. The last year she owned her car, we put less than 500 miles on it. I discussed how much money she would save by selling it and not having to maintain it, pay insurance or taking care of it in bad weather. We sold the car and made up a "fun fund." I arranged to have some neighbors and friends take her to the stores or appointments and she would give them an envelope with "gas money." She felt good about not being a burden and the friends liked getting a little money, too. Mom could also use some of the money for donations for her special charities, birthday presents, going to lunch, housecleaning services and some fun items. She made the decisions and continued to be in control of the fund. Also, she kept her license for identification, too! She passed away at the age of 91, still clear in mind and living independently.

I know it was hard for my parents to give up driving, but we all enjoyed the peace of knowing they were safer and other drivers were not harmed. It took effort and planning on my part to make sure they were able to get out and about without feeling confined.

My biggest suggestion is to start the talk early, develop some creative alternatives, and let them make some safe decisions. I retired a few years ago and I accept the fact that in a few years that I will be facing that decision, too. I am practicing using Uber and Lyft services just in case.

Deb Holets, Whitehall Township

Deb, it sounds like you and your parents handled this situation masterfully. I wholeheartedly endorse the process you took here and want to break down why.

Rely on your support network

The English poet John Donne once said no man is an island. That's true, most obviously when you're stuck in traffic surrounded by tractor-trailers on Route 22. Many people are fortunate enough to have friends, family and neighbors nearby who are able and willing to chip in. When you need to give up driving, make sure to reach out to these people and see how available they are to help.

Try to cast a wide net -- leaving it all up to one person puts them in a difficult position if they're simply not available. If the non-driver is outgoing, this has the side benefit of creating a bigger social circle, giving them opportunities for fun outings or fostering different kinds of relationships.

The fun fund created by Deb and her mom is a great way to reward these people and to express your thanks. Since becoming Road Warrior, I've thought more about how much of my paycheck goes into gas, maintenance, insurance and saving for my next vehicle. Turning all that cash into a fun fund lets you embrace a positive of giving up your car when others would focus on some very real negatives.

Embrace technology

The rise of mobile apps have done some amazing things in the last few years. The best example may be Uber and Lyft, which let people in need of a ride call a driver by punching some addresses into their phones. The international companies have put a serious dent into the taxi industry, while allowing anyone with a smartphone and a car to earn some cash on the side.

Seniors who are more comfortable with technology should be able to master this without any hitches, and I want to applaud Deb for making herself more familiar with these apps. If she can't wrap her head around it, however, someone else can schedule the ride on her behalf -- they don't even need to be physically with her.

But be warned. This option isn't cheap. A one-way 9.5-mile ride from my home to our family's preferred grocery store would cost almost $20. Counting on Uber once a week or so may be OK, but more frequent trips could start getting expensive if you're on a fixed income.

Public transportation

Nobody is going to confuse LANTA for the extensive public transit systems in New York, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C., but they do provide Lehigh Valley residents with some options.

A senior who lives near a LANTA bus stop, in theory, should be able to reach most parts of the Lehigh Valley. In practice, navigating the public transit system and its many transfers may be too much work for some seniors, especially if they gave up driving due to becoming lost or confused. However, there may be some scenarios where they can get to a shopping center or doctor's office without needing to transfer.

A better option may be LANTAvan, a program that connects eligible seniors and people with disabilities to doctor appointments. Once you've established your eligibility and ordered tickets, you can schedule a ride so long as you give them a day's advanced notice.

You can request an application for LANTAvan by calling 610-432-3200 or going online to www.lantabus.com/applications.

Seniors who aren't near bus routes may also be eligible for LANTAflex, a van service that sticks within designated areas like the Slate Belt or the Egypt/Coplay/Hanover area. Again, these rides need to be scheduled in advance. To learn more about LANTAflex, visit www.lantabus.com/routes-and-schedules/ and look at the routes listed in the 500s.

Meals on Wheels

This last one technically doesn't get you out of the house, but it can fill an important gap for people who have limited options for travel. Most people associate Meals on Wheels with its service of bringing prepared meals to people confined to their homes who are unable prepare a nutritious meal. However, the nonprofit provides other services, including scheduled grocery deliveries for otherwise independent seniors. Seniors place their orders over the phone, and a volunteer then delivers it to their home. Seniors pay for their groceries plus a $5 delivery fee.

Interested seniors can request more information by calling 610-691-1030 or going online to mowglv.org/grocery-shopping-sign-up.

[email protected]

610-820-6161

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