Here are strategies suggested by people with dementia for how they get around when they stopped driving. They described using different travel options to get to different places through the week.
- Ask family and friends to drive you. If you have friends going to the same gathering or activity, ask them for a lift. Travelling together might become part of the routine. Asking a few different people spreads out who you’re getting help from and you get to spend time in the car with different people.
- Change where you go for some services so they are easier to get to without driving. Change your hairdresser, pharmacy or exercise class so that you can get there by walking or public transport. If possible, go to one place that offers many services, so you only need to take one trip.
- If you use a taxi, try and use the same taxi driver. Ask the taxi driver whom you like if they will give you their number so you can book them again. They might also be able to recommend a driver in their area who you can call and book. Having a familiar taxi driver you can book makes taking taxis easier.
- If you use a smartphone, set up a ride sharing app such as Uber or Shebah which has women drivers and only takes female passengers. This makes it easy to call a driver when you are home or out.
- In most cities you can get a transport card which you can use when taking public transport. If you haven’t taken public transport for a while, or aren’t confident in taking public transport alone, take a practice trip with a friend to see if it’s a good alternative option to get to some places.
- Use services which help with transport.
- Watch this webinar by Dementia Alliance International on ‘Staying engaged without driving.’
What works for you
Choose your best transport alternative and put into practice.
