7 Uber & Lyft Safety Tips For Seniors

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Your parents used to keep their car in tip top shape – taking it to the car wash regularly and having it serviced right on schedule. Lately, you notice their car looks a little dusty, and when you ask your mother if it’s ready for winter or had an oil change, she waves you away.

With your parents entering their golden years and experiencing changes to eyesight and mobility, it’s time to consider other transportation options. While they still lead an active and fruitful social life, the idea of you driving them around or reaching them in an emergency makes your stomach tighten with anxiety. Find out why Uber and Lyft are safe alternatives for seniors and how your relatives can benefit from the ride-sharing apps.

MORE TO EXPLORE: Home Safety Tips For Seniors

 

The Benefits Of Uber For Seniors

With a tight budget in retirement plus several health concerns, your parents getting behind the wheel feels risky. After a tough and realistic conversation, collectively you decide it’s time to sell the trusted family car. Your parents are nervous about not having transportation. Ride-sharing apps like Uber & Lyft can provide a solution that will help soothe that stress away.

 

Uber For Seniors Means Freedom

After downloading the app onto your parent’s devices, remind them of the following perks. They can go anywhere they want with no concern of stopping for gas, forgetting glasses, or struggling with arthritic hands and the steering wheel. Reframe using Lyft or Uber as a way for them to maintain some freedom and get around without the need to maintain a vehicle.

Lyft or Uber for disabled seniors is beneficial. Both ride-sharing platforms have vehicles specifically designed for wheelchair accessibility and even include ramps or lifts.

 

Uber For Seniors Means Reliability

You have tried in the past to cater to your parent’s medical appointments or to help them get to their many social functions, but you also lead a busy life. Driving apps get your relatives a guaranteed driver, well-versed in safe routes in the city, so they will never be late for appointments.

 

Uber For Seniors Means Security

A common concern for our beloved elder family members is pick up & drop off security. They have heard horror stories about drivers leaving their friends at the wrong entrances or driving off with walking aids. Ride-sharing apps have grown and increased their security protocols, including instant customer care and external ride tracking. You can receive all of your parent’s ride details and monitor the entire trip, making them feel they are not alone.

MORE TO EXPLORE: Tips For A Successful Transition To Senior Living

 

Safety Tips For Seniors

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Take a look at what ride-sharing apps can do for your parent’s freedom and how to discuss safety concerns and best practices while riding in Uber or Lyft. Technology is rapidly changing, and it’s important to discuss four main topics before your parents use Uber or Lyft.

 

Discuss Using Technology

Your relatives might still be trying to understand their smartphone and everything they can access from the palm of their hands. Make sure to go through the app at length with them including worst-case scenarios, such as app updates, drivers canceling, or forgetting a portable charger.

 

Discuss Surge Pricing

Both Uber & Lyft have surge pricing that can be avoided. Explain the different symbols to your parents, and go over any vouchers or customer gift cards the app provides.

 

Discuss Uber Pool

While your relatives might think they are saving money on a ride, they could also be late for an appointment if they end up sharing a ride with others. Explain that Uber pool means picking up other passengers and that it may not be the best option for them, particularly if they are going to an important appointment like a doctor visit.

 

Discuss Personal Details & Boundaries

We know your parents love to chat, and each new ride-sharing experience also means one more person who has never heard their stories. Gently remind your parents not to give out personal details and how to flag the driver if they feel uncomfortable or pressured. This is a great time to review how to video chat so they can call you in any moments of discomfort.

 

The 12 Oaks Approach

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Moving into your local 12 Oaks community doesn’t mean that you can never leave. We offer weekly trips out of the neighborhood and encourage our residents to keep an active social life with family and friends. If your relatives are using a ride-sharing service, we can input our staff’s phone number(s) for emergency services or any confusion they may experience.

We believe with the right environment, the senior living years can provide an opportunity for your relatives to spread their wings and try new things. In the family of 12 Oaks communities, we encourage new hobbies, friendships, and experiences. Let us know if you are interested in learning more about community initiatives and events.

 

If you have questions about Lyft & Uber safety tips or any conditions discussed here, connect with us and learn more.

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while still leading fulfilling lives. There’s no better place to enjoy the encore season of life than at a 12 Oaks community.

For questions or to schedule a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

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Searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives

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