Seniors don’t drive for different reasons, like not owning a vehicle and physical or emotional limitations. Many don’t even have driver’s licenses. Those living in private homes might walk to their destinations; otherwise, they rely on friends, family members, or public transportation.
Depending on where a senior lives, public and private transportation might be an accessible option. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in cities like Kilgore, but the cost adds up quickly. For active seniors, that can be a hurdle to their independence. There are buses, too, but getting to the stops can be a problem for those with mobility challenges. Poor weather conditions make walking hazardous, with the risk of slip and fall accidents.
As for Kilgore, over 75 percent of this city rests in Gregg County, and the remainder is in Rusk County. What private and public transportation options exist for seniors who live here? The Arabella of Kilgore team members know the area and gladly share the following helpful information.
Kilgore Private Senior Transportation Services
Besides rideshare services, seniors can hire private transportation companies with cars, limos, or vans at their discretion. However, those companies might charge higher rates than Uber or Lyft. It can make more sense to rely on private transportation for emergencies, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
Public Kilgore Transportation Services for Seniors
GoBus is the primary public transportation system in Gregg and Rusk Counties and offers services benefitting local seniors. We’ve included that and several others to look over:
- The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas. Through a partnership with GoBus, this agency provides free transportation services to residents ages 60 and up and veterans. It takes them to medical appointments and senior nutrition sites; wheelchair accessibility is available.
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission Medical Transportation Program. This resource arranges non-emergency rides for people who need transportation to Medicaid health care visits. It is open to all ages and disabilities.
- Rusk County Transit Commission. This volunteer-driven agency has several options:
- Public transportation is arranged through a call center, with door-to-door service for Ladysmith and Rusk County residents.
- City of Ladysmith door-to-door bus service; 75 cents for seniors ages 60 and up (as of November 2024).
- County bus service for specific areas, at $6 per round trip (as of November 2024).
- Disabled American Veterans. This is a nationwide service, with volunteer-driven vans taking injured and ill veterans to VA medical facilities for treatment.
These public services benefit East Texas seniors and their families; when older adults need more comprehensive support, they turn to communities like Arabella of Kilgore.
Arabella of Kilgore Transportation Services
Our senior community offers three lifestyle options: independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents have access to our scheduled local senior transportation services, enhancing their ability to live independently. And since we have so many on-site offerings, their need to travel elsewhere for many services is significantly reduced; there’s no reason to travel to restaurants, gyms, or hair salons when everything is here in our community.
What else does Arabella of Kilgore offer residents?
Our beloved seniors develop better routines after they move in. They benefit from eating healthy, delicious food, receive opportunities for education and fitness, and enjoy a full social calendar with fun activities.
Here’s a sample of our on-site amenities and programs that eliminate the need for outside transportation:
- Chef-prepared meals in our dining room
- Fun trips with friends
- Full activity calendars
- Full-service salon
- Restaurant-style dining
- Clubs and classes
- Movie theater
- Walking paths
- Outdoor living areas with water features
Our independent living residents have apartments with separate entrances and carports; Arabella of Kilgore assisted living and memory care seniors have additional support services from our passionate, highly trained caregiving team members.
As a resident’s needs evolve, they can easily transition to another lifestyle option within our community—no outside transportation necessary. That continuum of care is invaluable and offers peace of mind to them and their loved ones.
The Impact of Our Neighborhood Connections
Though it’s possible to form friendships when taking public transportation, senior communities are more conducive to connecting with peers, and that holds emotional value. This sense of belonging entails more traveling from Point A to Point B; it brings joy and empowerment.
So, rather than researching transportation for older adults in Kilgore, turn your thoughts to a healthier solution: Arabella of Kilgore. Our support services and on-site amenities encourage a more fulfilling lifestyle. Visits to historic locations and participation in local events illustrate the joy of living in Kilgore. You won’t worry about catching the bus to make the morning matinee; everything you or your senior family member needs is here.
We Transport Residents to a Better Level of Senior Care
Isn’t it time to stop worrying about bus schedules, bad weather, and the hassles of homeownership? Arabella of Kilgore ensures you or a loved one will stay connected with three lifestyle options and easy access to senior-friendly amenities. Contact us for a tour; we can’t wait to meet you!
