---
title: "Senior Transportation: Ride Options When Driving Stops"
description: "Transportation options for older adults: family rides, volunteer drivers, paratransit, Medicaid rides to medical care, and how to find local services."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/senior-transportation/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

Care at home

# Transportation options for older adults

Giving up the car keys is a hard step. Having good ride options in place makes it easier, and helps a parent keep going to the doctor, church and the store.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

When a parent stops driving, ride options include family and friends, volunteer driver programs, public transit and paratransit, senior transportation services through the Area Agency on Aging, rides to medical appointments through some Medicaid plans, VA travel help for eligible veterans, taxis and ride-share, and home care aides who drive. In the Kansas City area, start with Johnson County Aging and Human Services or MARC Aging and Adult Services, or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

## Ride options

| Option | Good for | Ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Family and friends | Regular errands and visits | A shared schedule |
| Volunteer driver programs | Medical visits, errands | Advance booking, service area |
| Public transit and paratransit | People who can use transit, or need door-to-door help | Eligibility and scheduling |
| Area Agency on Aging services | Older adults in the service area | Costs and waiting lists |
| Medicaid ride benefits | Medical appointments | Ask your parent's Medicaid plan |
| VA travel | Eligible veterans going to VA care | VA travel pay rules |
| Home care aides | Errands and appointments with help | Mileage and insurance |
| Taxi and ride-share | Flexible trips | App help, cost |

## Making the switch easier

- Talk about it early, before a crisis.
- Focus on keeping your parent connected, not on losing the car.
- Try rides together the first few times.
- Keep a written list of ride options and phone numbers by the phone.

## When transportation is the main problem

If getting around is one of several growing struggles, [independent living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/independent-living/) or [assisted living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/assisted-living/) with scheduled transportation may help.

### Is getting around getting harder?

We'll help you think through care at home and living options near Kansas City. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### What transportation is available for seniors near me?

Call your Area Agency on Aging or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

### Does Medicaid cover rides to the doctor?

Many Medicaid plans include rides to medical appointments. Ask the plan.

### Can a home care aide drive my parent?

Many agencies offer it. Ask about mileage and insurance.

### How do I know when a parent should stop driving?

Watch for close calls, getting lost, or new dents, and talk to their doctor.

## Sources

- [Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living), 1-800-677-1116](https://eldercare.acl.gov/)
- [Mid-America Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (Kansas City, Missouri side)](https://www.marc.org/aging)
- [Johnson County Aging and Human Services](https://www.jocogov.org/department/aging-and-human-services)

## Related guides

- [Care at home](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/)
- [Aging in place](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/aging-in-place/)
- [Area Agency on Aging](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/area-agency-on-aging/)
- [In-home care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/in-home-care/)
- [Senior living options](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-living-options/)
- [PACE](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/pace-program/)
- [Home care vs. home health](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/home-care-vs-home-health/)
- [Dementia home care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/dementia-home-care/)
- [Finding a caregiver](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/finding-a-caregiver/)

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