Giving up the keys is one of the most difficult things you can do. Most people go through a very difficult adjustment period, as they lose the ability to go anywhere anytime. We have met many people, though, that have managed to re-tool their approach and maintain very active, busy lives. These people pride themselves in learning to squeeze the most out of every resource available to them. Remember –keeping busy with things that feed your soul will keep you mentally and physically healthy. Here are some tips for making the most of your options:
When it comes time to retire from driving, develop a neighborhood network. So that you don’t feel like a burden, think of a way to give something in return. For example, if you have a Costco card and your neighbor doesn’t, your neighbor could drive you to Costco where you let him or her use your card! You also may want to reimburse your neighbor for gas. Who wouldn’t love that?
This is the obvious first choice for most people, although most older adults we talk to begin to feel bad about asking too much of their busy children. If there is any way to swap for babysitting or some other perk, by all means do it. We think the easiest way is to use your children some of the time, and use other options the rest of the time. That way, nobody gets worn out!
Although many seniors find it too difficult to take the fixed route bus, others find it liberating because you don’t have to pre-schedule or tell anyone your business! OCTA has a wonderful online trip planning tool. You just enter your starting point, destination, and day and time of your trip. It tells you what buses to take, where to transfer, how long it will take and other information you will need. If you don’t feel comfortable on the computer, call Sandy at JFFS Silver Streak (949-435-3460) and she will look up your trip for you!
There are over 25 senior transit programs available in Orange County. They all have restrictions though, so it is best to sign up for several programs. That way, you can maximize your mobility. Call the Silver Streak Mobility Manager (Sandy at 949-435-3460) and she will give you more information on which programs you are eligible for.
This is OCTA’s (Orange County Transportation Authority) service for Orange County residents who are not able to ride the fixed route bus because of a disability. To qualify, you need to have documentation from your doctor and go to an initial interview. They’ll take you most places in OC (as long as it is within a ¾ mile radius of a fixed route bus route) with 24 hour notice. It’s $2.70 each way unless you need help to your door. That costs an extra $5.00 each time. To request an application, call (714) 560-5956.
This is a service for people who are NOT eligible for the OCTA ACCESS program. OCTA contracts with several agencies in north and south county to provide this service. In South County, they contract with Age Well. In North County, they contract with St. Anselm’s Cross Cultural Community Center and St. Jude Medical Center. The cost is $2.00 in each direction. You can call the Office on Aging at 1-800-510-2020 for a referral.
Many cities have senior transportation programs. Most only travel within city boundaries or to neighboring cities. Call your city provider for more information
| Anaheim: (714) 535-7171 Brea: (714) 990-7766 Buena Park: (714) 236-3870 Costa Mesa: (949) 645-2356, ext. 23 Huntington Beach: (714) 374-1742 Irvine (TRIPS): (949) 724-7433 Laguna Niguel: (949) 425-5151 Laguna Woods: (949) 639-0512 |
Lake Forest: (949) 461-3450 Newport Beach: (949) 644-3244 Placentia: (714) 986-2332 Rancho Santa Margarita: (949) 635-1800 San Clemente: (949) 361-8254 Santa Ana: (714) 647-6703 Seal Beach: (562) 431-2527, ext. 321 Westminster: (714) 895-2878, ext. 481 Yorba Linda (TRAILS): (714) 961-7181 |
CalOptima provides rides to CalOptima patients who have physician authorizations. Sign up when you make an appointment with your provider
The American Cancer Society offers rides for people in Orange County who are undergoing cancer treatment. Call 800-227-2345 to set up service
It might be easier to use doctors, hairdressers or other professionals who are closer to home. Even if you use a volunteer who is willing to wait, it is asking a lot to wait more than an hour at your destination.
Think about when you are scheduling things. If you need a volunteer driver, try not to schedule your appointments too early in the morning or during rush hour.
Family Services Orange County
1 Federation Way, Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92603
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