Workshop 5 – Getting Where You Need to Go
Participants will learn effective strategies to continue getting around as safely as possible for as long as possible and be informed on the various transportation options available.
Objectives
The loss of ones Driver’s License can be one of the most difficult transitions for many seniors to face. Being able to maintain one’s license for as long as possible and being prepared for this significant change before it happens can make things much easier on everyone involved. During this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- recognize your transportation patterns
- learn ways in which you can continue driving safely for as long as possible
- consider alternative modes of transportation
- commit to taking action in some way before our next session
Resources
Walking Resources
Walkability Score
If you are considering a move, consider moving closer to amenities, family and friends. Check out the walking score of your current home or any new neighborhood you consider at www.walkscore.com.
Ottawa Public Health Walking Information
www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/walking.aspx
Winter Walking Tips
Icy surfaces and snow can pose a hazard for pedestrians, especially for seniors and people using a mobility device. Check out these Winter Walking Tips at coaottawa.ca/wp-content/uploads/documents/Tips-Sheets-English1.pdf
Become a Snow Mole!
Snow Moles are volunteers who report on what it’s like to walk outside on a winter day in Ottawa. The information they gather will be used by the Council on Aging of Ottawa (COA) to inform the City and others of ways that winter walkability can and should be improved. Anyone can be a snow mole, but we are particularly looking for seniors and children to participate, as well as people who use mobility devices (e.g. canes, walkers and wheelchairs). Find out more at coaottawa.ca/snowmoles/
Public Transport Resources
OC Transpo
613-741-4390
https://www.octranspo.com/en/
- OC Transpo buses can be lowered to be closer to the curb and have ramps to allow easy access for customers using wheelchairs and walkers.
- All stops are announced automatically.
- There is free passage for attendants authorized by health care professionals.
- Fares are lower for people over 65
- Seniors Ride Free on Wednesdays and Sundays.
OC Transpo Travel Training
Nervous? You can get free “travel training”. Travel training teaches people with disabilities, seniors and new Canadians to use transit safely and independently. For information about travel training call the Accessibility Specialist at 613-842-3636 x 2873
Weekly Shopper Routes
Shopper Routes (301-305) provide rural residents a free and convenient way to get into town. These routes offer once-a-week service from rural communities to urban shopping destinations. https://www.octranspo.com/en/our-services/bus-o-train-network/service-types/shopper-routes
Para Transpo
613-741-4390
www.octranspo.com/en/para-transpo/
Para Transpo is a shared-ride, book-in-advance, public transit service. The service is open to eligible customers who are unable to take conventional transit (buses and O-Train) some or all of the time due to a disability. It is funded by the City of Ottawa and administered by OC Transpo.
- In urban areas, the service charges are no more than OC Transpo.
Para Transpo Taxi Coupon Program
The Taxi Coupon Program allows Para Transpo customers to take discounted taxi service as an alternative to Para Transpo. You can book your trip – at your convenience, with participating Ottawa taxi companies and save 55% off the regular taxi fare.
- The cost is $18 for a coupon book worth $40 in taxi fares.
- Each book has a selection of $1, $2, and $5 coupons.
- An eligible customer can buy up to 8 coupon books each month.
Vehicles for Hire
Taxi
Taking taxis can actually be cheaper and less hassle than owning, driving and parking a personal car.
Uber / Lyft
Passengers use an app to order a ride and are quoted the fare. The pricing varies according to supply and demand for rides at the time that the ride is requested. Payment is automatically charged to your credit card. Prices are usually ~30% less than taxis. www.uber.com www.lyft.com
Ride Share
Ridesharing can provide options for daily commutes, regular errands, long distance drives and more.
https://www.ridesharing.com/en-ca/ca/Ottawa
Private Services
Seniors on Site
https://sosonsite.com/seniors-transportation-services/
My Place Home Care
https://www.myplacehomecare.ca/our-services/
Assurance Home Care
https://assurancehomecare.ca/errands-transportation
Wheels for the Wise
https://www.wheelsforthewise.com
Seniors Solution
https://www.seniors-solution.com/services/
Community Support Services
Subsidized and personalized ride services provided for a fee by Community Support Services (CSS).
Priority is often given to requests for transportation for medical appointments.
Call 2-1-1
www.champlainhealthline.ca
Ottawa West Community Support
613-728-6016
owcs.ca/services/transportation/
Eastern Ottawa Community Support Services
613-741-6025
eorc-creo.ca/Community_Support_Services.php
The Good Companions
613-236-0428, extension 2235
thegoodcompanions.ca/community-support-services/transportation/
Western Ottawa Community Support
613-591-3686
wocrc.ca/program/transportation/
Carefor
613-749-7557
carefor.ca/services/?comaction=view&id=44
Rural Ottawa South Support Services
613-692-4697
rosss.ca/the-attic-loft
Olde Forge Community Resource Centre
613-829-9777 extension 231
oldeforge.ca/services/transportation
Métis Nation of Ontario Healing & Wellness
613-748 1880 ext 303
www.metisnation.org/programs and services/healing wellness/
Driving Resources
55 Alive Driver Refresher Course
For seniors, to sharpen your road skills and improve your confidence on the road.
Search online for “55 Alive Ottawa” or contact the Council on Aging of Ottawa.
CarFit
The CarFit program suggests tips to improve the fit between you and your car. Your car has a number of features that need to be adjusted properly to serve their intended purpose: comfort and safety.
To find a CarFit Clinic:
Contact: The Council on Aging of Ottawa
https://www.caot.ca/site/pt/resources
Call: 613-523-2268
Driver Training
Book a session with a Ministry Approved driving instructor.
Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Seniors Driving
The CAA has used decades of experience in road safety, along with expert assistance from the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists to design a toolkit for seniors and their loved ones. Find the toolkit at:
www.caa.ca/seniors/
Functional Driving Assessment
www.mto.gov.on.ca
New Car Recommendations for Older Adults
If you are thinking of buying a new car, find the vehicle with the right features for you. Check: https://seniordriving.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Smart-Features-for-Older-Drivers-Brochure-lores.pdf
Develop a Network
Think about accepting rides from your family, friends, and neighbours. Some of the discomfort of doing so can be alleviated by finding people who are going the same way anyway, only taking a ride one way, or offering some form of payment or reciprocity.
Seniors Driver’s License Renewal
Once drivers reach 80 years of age, every two years they must:
- Take a vision test
- Undergo a driver record review
- Participate in a 45-minute Group Education Session (GES)
- During the GES, complete two, brief, non-computerized in-class screening assignments
- If, necessary, take a road test
1-800-396-4233
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/senior-driver-licence-renewal-program.shtml
Preparation for the Driver’s Test at 80
Pages 2-8 of this document outline all the details you need to know regarding the renewing of your license at age 80.
