Stranded at Home: The Transportation Barriers Facing Seniors
For many of us, getting to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment is part of everyday life. But for older adults and people with disabilities in the Truckee and Tahoe region, these simple trips can become overwhelming or even impossible without help.
At Tahoe Truckee Helping Hands, we believe access to transportation is essential for independence, health, and dignity. That is why our volunteer transportation program focuses on getting our neighbors where they need to go, safely and reliably.
When You Can’t Drive, Everything Changes
More than one in five adults over age 65 do not drive, according to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. When driving becomes unsafe due to vision loss, slower reflexes, or other age-related challenges, many older adults are left with very few options, especially in rural communities.
The consequences are serious. Without reliable transportation, seniors may:
Miss critical medical appointments
Struggle to get food, medications, and supplies
Stop attending community or faith-based events
Lose regular contact with friends and family
A study from the National Academy of Sciences found that limited access to transportation contributes directly to social isolation and a decline in health outcomes for older adults.
The Unique Challenge of Rural Life
In cities, seniors might be able to use buses, rideshare services, or taxis to get around. In the Truckee and Tahoe area, those options are limited or unavailable. Our neighborhoods are spread out, weather conditions can be unpredictable, and many homes are far from fixed transit routes.
Even where services exist, they may not accommodate mobility devices, may require advance notice, or may involve long wait times. In winter, when roads are icy and days are short, it is often not safe to walk or ride a bike.
Our Local Solution: Rides That Build Connection
Our transportation program connects seniors and people with disabilities to trusted community volunteers who offer rides for essential trips. Whether it is a weekly grocery run or a one-time medical visit, we help people stay connected, healthy, and independent.
We currently offer:
Scheduled rides for local medical, dental, and vision appointments
Weekly group grocery store trips, which help lower costs and encourage social interaction
Errand support, including help with prescriptions or basic deliveries
Volunteers use their own vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement. Each ride is more than just a lift. It is a friendly check-in and a chance for conversation.
Transportation and Health Go Hand in Hand
Access to transportation is one of the strongest predictors of health for older adults. Missed appointments can lead to delayed diagnoses, unmanaged chronic conditions, and unnecessary hospital stays.
Seniors who do not have transportation are also more likely to move into assisted living or long-term care facilities before it is medically necessary. That transition is costly for families and can be emotionally difficult for older adults who want to stay in their homes.
By helping people get to the doctor or the grocery store, we are not just providing a ride. We are supporting their ability to remain active members of the community.
Looking Ahead
We are actively working to expand this program and increase the number of people we can serve. Our goals include:
Recruiting more volunteer drivers
Purchasing a multi-passenger van for group outings
Adding flexible scheduling for urgent medical needs
If you or someone you know needs a ride, or if you are interested in volunteering just a few hours each month, reach out to us. With your help, we can make sure no one in our community is left behind.
Sources
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. (2022). Transportation Needs and Assessment Survey Results
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Transportation and Health
AARP Public Policy Institute. (2018). Valuing the Invaluable: 2018 Update