3.8 Transport alternatives

If you do not drive yourself, family, friends and neighbours are often available to give lifts. Some people like to offer to pay for the petrol or parking if they are a passenger to feel like they are contributing. Other strategies people living with dementia have told us they use to help when they have given up driving include:

• Changing services and shops you need to visit frequently, like their hairdresser, pharmacy or exercise classes, so they are easier to get to without driving. Mala decided to go to the main shopping centre near her by community transport bus. There were all the services she wanted – hairdresser, post office, physio and supermarket – so only one trip is needed.
• Try and use the same taxi or Uber driver. Having a familiar driver can make getting around easier. If there is a particular driver you like, ask for their number so you can book them again.
• Derek spoke to his GP about taxi subsidies. His mobility was poor and he needed help with his walker. He used the same taxi driver and began to look forward to their weekly chats while he was driven to and from appointments and shopping.
• If your person living with dementia uses a smartphone, set up a ride sharing app such as Uber, Didi 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.
• Kevin, who is living with dementia and doesn’t drive due to an eyesight condition, found their local services club offered not only transport to and from the club, but had organised monthly bus trip to local beauty spots and historical locations. Kevin said, “I actually prefer not driving – it is much less stressful having someone do it for you!”.
• If you have not used public transport in a while, consider taking some practice trips with a friend. You can work out the most convenient routes and learn landmarks along the way.

Taxi subsidies

Government programs provide taxi subsidies for people who cannot drive or take public transport due to a medical condition or disability. People with dementia may be eligible for these programs in your state or territory. Your person will need their doctor to complete an assessment which differs slightly by state/territory. Some schemes will subsidise the cost of ride-sharing services such as Uber, others do not. Check your state or territory in the list below for a taxi subsidy service:

• New South Wales: Taxi transport subsidy scheme
• Victoria: Multi-purpose taxi program 
• Queensland: Taxi subsidy scheme and lift payment
• Western Australia: Taxi user subsidy scheme 
• South Australia: Taxi fare subsidy scheme 
• Tasmania: Taxi subsidy program 
• Northern Territory: Transport subsidy and incentive scheme 
• Australian Capital Territory: Taxi subsidy scheme

If you are not eligible for any of the above subsidies but have either NDIS or Support at Home services, discuss eligibility for travel with your NDIS or aged care manger.

Community Transport

Community transport can take you by car or small bus to medical appointments, social activities, exercise, and to do your shopping. Community transport is for people who are unable to drive or take public transport without help. Federal and State governments fund community transport. Community transport is currently part of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) (see 5.5 Types of Services).

Use the links or contacts below to find a community transport provider in your locality. They will tell you whether your person is eligible, how to apply and what your person might need to pay as a contribution to the cost.

• New South Wales 
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory– contact NDIS or My Aged Care (1800 200422)
• Western Australia -contact your local government (local council) services for options in your region