This month, we were delighted to have Kristen Lienhop, an occupational therapist with 27 years of experience in the Kansas City Metro, who launched her own business to transition to a more proactive role in healthcare education.
Kristen discussed driving retirement, emphasizing that it involves planning to stop driving when skills are no longer safe, rather than an age-based decision. She explained how various physical and cognitive changes with aging, such as vision decline, hearing loss, and medication side effects, can impact driving ability. She stressed the need for advance planning to ensure safety, reduce costs, and maintain control over transportation choices, while also providing peace of mind to caregivers.
Kristen discussed the role of occupational therapists in assessing driving abilities for older adults and the importance of involving healthcare professionals in this process.
Kristen also provided caregiver tips, advocating for a collaborative approach using “I” statements and encouraging loved ones to seek assessments if they have concerns about a person’s driving safety. She shared strategies for supporting older adults in transitioning away from driving, emphasizing the importance of planning and communication. We discussed various alternative transportation options, including rideshare services, community programs, and delivery services, while also addressing how to handle difficult situations. Kristen encouraged caregivers to start conversations early, normalize the idea of driving retirement, and utilize available resources.
July’s Caregiver Talk
Links:
Local Options and Resources for Transportation
- Ridesharing (ie Lyft, Uber)
- GoGoGrandparent
- KCATA:
- KCATA Freedom offers two types of services, ADA paratransit and non-ADA demand response. The ADA paratransit service is operated within ¾-mile of local bus routes and costs $3 per one-way trip. The non-ADA demand response service has a larger service area and cost is determined by the length of the trip. To utilize these services you must first go through the eligibility process. For questions about how to apply for and use the services please call (816) 842-9070, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- Paratransit is available to those who meet certain qualifications. To apply for paratransit service from KCATA, Unified Government Transit, Johnson County, Kan., or IndeAccess, download a printable application in English or Spanish. The application and Ride Guide are available in alternate formats and in Spanish upon request by calling 816-842-9070 and pressing option 5 for Eligibility.
https://ridekc.org/mobility-services- Kansas City, Kan./Wyandotte County
Unified Government Transit offers two types of services, ADA paratransit for persons with disabilities and Senior paratransit for individuals aged 65 and over. The ADA paratransit service is operated within ¾-mile of local bus routes and costs $3 per one-way trip. The Senior paratransit service is operated Wyandotte County wide and costs $2 per one-way trip. To utilize these services you must first go through the eligibility process. For questions about how to apply for and use the services please call (816) 842-9070, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. NOTE: ADA Complementary Paratransit is Zero Fare through 2023. - City of Independence, Mo.
The City of Independence offers two types of service, an ADA paratransit service called IndeAccess and for older adults called IndeAccess+. IndeAccess is operated within ¾-mile of local bus routes and costs $2 per one-way trip. IndeAccess+ serves all of the city of Independence and costs $2 per one-way trip. To utilize these services you must first go through the eligibility process. For questions about how to apply for and use the services please call (816) 842-9070, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:45pm - Johnson County, Kan.
Johnson County offers two types of services, RideKC Freedom and SWIFT. RideKC Freedom is an enhanced mobility, shared-ride non-ADA service that operates throughout a designated service area in Johnson County; Kansas City, Kan; and Kansas City, Mo. The cost of RideKC Freedom rides is determined by trip length. To utilize these services you must first go through the eligibility process. For questions about how to apply for and use the services please call (816) 842-9070, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- Kansas City, Kan./Wyandotte County
- OATS Transit
OATS Transit is a shared-ride, public transportation company offering service to people of all ages. OATS serves the rural general public, individuals with disabilities and senior citizens. OATS transports people to work, medical appointments, shopping and other community resources. OATS offers intercity express routes to connect people with larger cities. OATS’ buses are ADA accessible.
https://www.oatstransit.org/ - Catch-a-Ride
Catch-a-Ride (CaR) is a social service program that provides volunteer transportation to medical appointments, food pantries and social service agencies within Johnson County. CaR is available for Johnson County residents who are 60+, or have a physical disability, or are in a major life transition and currently cannot drive. All CaR participants must complete an application and be accepted into the program before placing a ride request.
https://www.jocogov.org/department/aging-and-human-services/human-services/catch-ride - Platte Senior Services
Transportation is available on a first-come-first serve basis, is free and provided by Parking Company of America – KC vehicles. Pick up and drop off times vary with the bus route.
https://www.platteseniorservices.org/programs#Transportation - Clay County Seniors
Clay County Seniors provides transportation for residents of Clay County who are 60 years or older and live in an independent residence for medically related appointments (doctors, dentists, mental health professionals), to perform essential business for legal or tax assistance, apply for housing or other essential benefits, attend adult day health care, or to visit a spouse in a nursing home. Individuals may use this service up to 3 round trips per month.
https://www.claycoseniors.org/transportation - Raytown Shepherd’s Center Wheels That Care
Transportation provided by volunteer drivers for medical appointments only. This service is provided Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of appointment time. Donations are accepted for this service.
https://shepherdscenterofraytown.org/services-programs/ - The Whole Person
The Whole Person offers private pay and non-emergency transportation for people with disabilities to medical appointments, including doctor visits, dialysis, and physical therapy.
https://thewholeperson.org/contact-us/medical-transportation/ - For Liberty residents 60+ or with disabilities
Call the Liberty Access Bus at 816.439.4397 to schedule a ride. Transportation for adults 60 and older is provided within the city limits of Liberty free of charge. Physically challenged individuals (ages 18 – 59 with current Social Security Disability Award) who do not have access to their own transportation may also utilize Liberty Access for a nominal fee.
https://www.libertymissouri.gov/1561/Liberty-Access-Bus - For Kearney Residents 60+
Kearney Rides helps seniors get to essential appointments in Clay County, MO. This program provides transportation for appointments. Seniors who want to connect with this program should leave a message at least 3 business days in advance. Phone calls after 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays will not be answered until the following Monday at 9:00 a.m.
https://www.kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org/seniorcenter#1243839895 - JET Express**
Cars equal independence, and hanging up those car keys can feel like the end of an era. Other older adults never learned to drive, used public transit or had a partner who took care of the trips. Jewish Family Services’ award-winning JET Express program keeps older adults ages 60+ active and connected to the places and people important to them. JET Express provides safe and reliable transportation for individuals who do not or no longer drive. The program is offered to residents of portions of Jackson County, MO and Johnson County, KS.
https://www.jfskc.org/jet-express/
**JET Express is not currently accepting applications.
Be sure and join us for our next Caregiver Talk, Stay Safe & Comfortable at Home: Easy Preventative Maintenance for Aging in Place on August 8, 2025 at 12:00pm.
The Caregiver Talk series is sponsored by AARP Kansas City.
