Anonymous wrote:I used to order Ubers for my mom. I could watch where the driver was, and I always tipped an enormous amount. One driver enjoyed her so much (and the tip) that he left her his card and said to call anytime. So you may want to see if you can find a private driver who may be able to help.

I would be more comfortable with Uber that you can track and control. There are people that seem extremely nice to the elderly and then end up robbing them of everything they own. If you were a con artist, Uber would be a great way to meet an elderly mark. Like karate teaching for pedophiles.

They used to have something like what you are referring to in Arizona where my parents live but it was very expensive and ended up going out of business. If they can’t support that in Arizona, I can’t imagine it would survive in Maryland.
I’d encourage you to get your mom at least somewhat friendly with apps. My mom is 94 and hasn’t worked since the 1970s (so never with a computer) but we got her an iPad and iPhone and have her at least using some apps like FaceTime and the library. Especially with her not driving, her world is going to get very small very fast without any apps. It’s worth a trip out here for you to get her set up and teach her to use a few basic apps. My mom can’t even order her medication now without going through an app.

Anonymous wrote:"Request a ride for a loved one
In just a few taps, request a ride for a loved one and, even if they don’t have the Uber app, they will receive a message with the vehicle information and the driver’s phone number. They can also call 1-833-USE-UBER to request a ride on demand or in advance anywhere in the US."

Thank you! I think we just need to give this a try, and then hope to find someone or a couple of drivers through this process who she can call on as needed.

Anonymous wrote:https://www.uber.com/us/en/community/economic-opportunities/seniors/

thank you PP!

I used to order Ubers for my mom. I could watch where the driver was, and I always tipped an enormous amount. One driver enjoyed her so much (and the tip) that he left her his card and said to call anytime. So you may want to see if you can find a private driver who may be able to help.

"Request a ride for a loved one
In just a few taps, request a ride for a loved one and, even if they don’t have the Uber app, they will receive a message with the vehicle information and the driver’s phone number. They can also call 1-833-USE-UBER to request a ride on demand or in advance anywhere in the US."

Anonymous wrote:My mother is 94 and I met a local Uber driver who was really nice and has a very nice car. So now he drives my mother everywhere. Twice a week he takes her shopping or to the doctor for a couple of hours. Peace of mind for all. I happily pay him!

Ah this is what I would love for her! Money is not an issue for her, we just want peace of mind and reliable, trustworthy, by appointment transportation where she can call on them a couple times a week to go to the grocery store, doctor, church.

My mother is 94 and I met a local Uber driver who was really nice and has a very nice car. So now he drives my mother everywhere. Twice a week he takes her shopping or to the doctor for a couple of hours. Peace of mind for all. I happily pay him!

Anonymous wrote:Not in your area, but I see people asking about drivers like this on NextDoor. There is one guy who seems to do a lot of airport transportation and trips to the grocery store. Maybe you could set up an account for her and see if you can get any personal recommendations.

OP here - great idea but with one problem. I already have a Nextdoor account for myself, and I don't believe you can have more than one Nextdoor account? For example we used to own a rental home in a different state. I tried to join the Nextdoor for that area but was barred from doing so because I already had an account for our primary residence. And since my mom does not use technology - she doesn't have a computer much less a nextdoor account so this will be challenging. Unless I'm thinking about this incorrectly?

Not in your area, but I see people asking about drivers like this on NextDoor. There is one guy who seems to do a lot of airport transportation and trips to the grocery store. Maybe you could set up an account for her and see if you can get any personal recommendations.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The county has a variety of transportation programs for the elderly and disabled.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/special-transportation/
I know one of my neighbors uses this to get to appointments.

Thank you PP, but my mom doesn't feel safe nor do I feel safe having her take in the Ride-On bus. She doesn't need or qualify for subsidized transportation - finances are not an issue, so the Call-n-Ride service really should be reserved for those who cannot afford to pay, and the Metro Access service is for disabled. My mom is very able-bodied. She is active, and cognitively 100% there. She just no longer feels comfortable driving on roads with so many aggressive drivers. thanks again.

Interesting that you think ride-on is unsafe but uber is a super safe alternative.

DP. My guess is she doesn't feel safe with either. I know my dad doesn't feel safe in Uber, more regarding living alone and not wanting drivers to know that, especially when bringing him home.

Excited to read that Uber (now?) has a feature where I could be notified and track the car if my dad chooses to do this. It might give him peace of mind.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The county has a variety of transportation programs for the elderly and disabled.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/special-transportation/
I know one of my neighbors uses this to get to appointments.

Thank you PP, but my mom doesn't feel safe nor do I feel safe having her take in the Ride-On bus. She doesn't need or qualify for subsidized transportation - finances are not an issue, so the Call-n-Ride service really should be reserved for those who cannot afford to pay, and the Metro Access service is for disabled. My mom is very able-bodied. She is active, and cognitively 100% there. She just no longer feels comfortable driving on roads with so many aggressive drivers. thanks again.

Interesting that you think ride-on is unsafe but uber is a super safe alternative.

Interesting that you didn't take the time to read what I wrote. I wrote "Uber like" service (alternative) for the elderly. Nowhere did I say that Uber was safer than Ride-On. But also yes, in my opinion city buses are not safe especially for the vulnerable.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The county has a variety of transportation programs for the elderly and disabled.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/special-transportation/
I know one of my neighbors uses this to get to appointments.

Thank you PP, but my mom doesn't feel safe nor do I feel safe having her take in the Ride-On bus. She doesn't need or qualify for subsidized transportation - finances are not an issue, so the Call-n-Ride service really should be reserved for those who cannot afford to pay, and the Metro Access service is for disabled. My mom is very able-bodied. She is active, and cognitively 100% there. She just no longer feels comfortable driving on roads with so many aggressive drivers. thanks again.

Interesting that you think ride-on is unsafe but uber is a super safe alternative.

np ... and a regular taxi company, might be worth taking to them. This was long ago but an elder used Barwood Taxi and became comfortable with 2-3 of their regular drivers.