How to Arrange Transportation for Your Elderly Parent in Harrisonburg Virginia

The Decision to Stop Driving

Here is a list of articles that will help you determine if it is time to arrange for an alternate mode of transportation for your loved one:

Transportation Options

Here are options for you and your loved one to consider:

Public Bus Transportation - Fixed Route (540.432.0492)

If your elderly loved one is able to walk to the bus stop, teach them how to use the bus maps and check the schedules. Go with them on their first ride to someplace they visit often, like the library or a coffee shop. Make a day of it, so that they can familiarize themselves with the route and spend time with you in the process.

The Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation public bus system includes wheelchair lifts, low floor buses, and voice announcements. Reduced fares are offered to senior citizens over 62 years of age, persons with disabilities, and Medicare/Medicaid card holders. Riders can buy tickets in advance, but need to provide exact change if paying the fare when they board.

One-way fare is $.50 for senior citizens as of January 2017. Visit the Department’s website for bus routes and more information, or call 540.432.0492.

Harrisonburg Paratransit (540-432-0492)

Paratransit Service is a public transportation service that operates within the City of Harrisonburg for people whose disability prevents them from riding Fixed Route buses some or all of the time. Paratransit is a curb-to-curb, shared ride public transportation service. Wheelchair accessible vehicles serve the patron. You must call in advance to make an appointment. Drivers are not allowed to enter homes or assist with packages.

Eligibility, fares, and procedures as of January 2017 (check the website or call 540.432.0492 for updates):

Certification in advance is required. To obtain an application, check the website or call 540.432.0492
$2.00 per one-way trip within the city and ¾ mile of a HDPT Bus Stop.
Passengers may travel with a Personal Care Attendant to assist at home and at the destination, at no extra charge.
A companion may travel for the normal fare if we have seats.
You must have exact change.
You may purchase a booklet of ten Paratransit coupons for $20
Call 540-432-0492 to schedule transportation

Rockingham County Department of Social Services (540.432.8646)

The Rockingham County Transportation Program operates through the Harrisonburg Rockingham Department of Social Services. The program transports legal US citizens with low income, physical and mental challenges or age 60+, to medical appts and essential services for life’s maintenance such as grocery stores, banks or drug stores when there is absolutely no other means of transport.

Eligibility, fares, and procedures as of January 2017 (Call 540.432.8646 for updates):

Serves legal residents in the Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services district
Precertification required
Drivers only provide minimal assistance; caregivers and companions can ride for the same rate.
For local appointments, provide least 24 business hours notice, but preferably 2 to 3 days notice. For out of the area appointments, provide at least 3 to 4 days notice, but more if possible
No weekend service, and dates are restricted for certain services
Trips may be cancelled due to weather problems
Fares are as follows:
- $ 5.00 for trips less than 10 miles
- $10.00 for trips 10.1 miles to 25 miles
- $20.00 for one way trips 25.1 to 75 miles
- $25.00 for round trips 25.1 miles to 75 miles
- $50.00 for trips 75.1 miles to 100 miles
Exact change required; no checks accepted

VPAS (Valley Program for Aging Services): Transporting the Elderly and Disabled (TED) (800.868.8727)

In limited areas VPAS can provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery store, pharmacy, and bank when no other transportation options are available. Riders must pre-register prior to transportation being provided. Advance notice is required when scheduling a ride.

Services Include: (some restrictions may apply)

Transportation for grocery shopping, doctor appointments, banking and other life essential destinations.
Transportation to non-emergency medical appointments

Taxicab

Seniors can utilize local taxicab service for on-demand transportation to and from desired locations. This option is more convenient but also more expensive than public transportation.

More and more seniors are trying out non-traditional cab services like Uber and Lyft.

Private Transportation for People with Disabilities

The Harrisonburg area has several companies providing appropriate private transportation specifically for people with disabilities or medical problems. See the Virginia Grandriver website for options.

Home Care Agencies

Many local home care agencies provide transportation for clients who are enrolled in their services. Such agencies may provide many related services as well: running errands, cooking meals, light housekeeping, bathing and dressing, and in-home medical care. Contact Care is There Geriatric Care Management for advice about the type of agency to hire.

Senior Living Communities

Most senior living communities offer group or individualized transportation to their residents. Older adults often consider moving to a senior living community when their ability to drive deteriorates.

Contact Care is There Geriatric Care Management for advice about the type of community that would best suit your loved one’s needs, and for personal assistance in choosing and transitioning to such a community.

Adult Day Centers

Some adult day centers and PACE programs will pick up your loved one from their home and transport them to the program, or they can arrange transportation on your behalf. Contact Care is There Geriatric Care Management about adult day centers near you.

Friends, Family, and Faith Communities

Helping a friend or loved one with transportation is a great way to stay connected! Plan a weekly errand day together or confer in advance about good days to take a day off from work for doctor’s appointments.

Friends attending the same social activity often appreciate the company and are happy to pick up your loved one on the way.

Faith communities often have programs that help elderly people attend services, or fellow community members need only be asked to provide transportation as an act of kindness.

Geriatric Care Managers - Care is There (540.246.0211)

Our geriatric care managers at Care is There accompany our clients to their appointments and handle logistics on their behalf. This keeps you from having to take time off work, and it keeps us connected and up to date with them! Learn more about our services here.

How Care is There can help:

If your loved one is struggling with transportation issues, we can:

Help you determine if your loved one is safe to drive
Identify and implement alternative transportation options
Accompany your loved one to appointments and run errands on their behalf
Check in with your loved one often to be sure they have what they need and remain actively engaged in their communities
Help your loved one consider moving to a senior living community

Next Steps

Trying to arrange transportation for your elderly loved one in Harrisonburg Virginia?

Contact Care is There Geriatric Care Management by calling 800-434-1633 or by emailing us at Info@CareisThere.com. We provide a free telephone consultation and will help in any way we can.