How do I set up Uber for the elderly? A Comprehensive Guide

By 2030, nearly 1 in 6 people globally will be aged 60 or over, highlighting the growing need for reliable transportation options. For many, ridesharing services like Uber offer a new pathway to independence, but the technology can be intimidating. Here is a comprehensive guide on how do I set up Uber for the elderly using their family-friendly and accessible features.

Quick Summary

You can set up Uber for an elderly loved one by inviting them to join your Uber Family Profile, which enables a simplified 'Simple Mode' experience and caregiver oversight, or by requesting rides on their behalf directly through your own app. Alternatives like phone-based services also exist for those without smartphones.

Key Points

• Family Profile: Lets a caregiver manage rides and payments for a senior with live trip tracking, all from their own device.

• Simple Mode: Provides a simplified, large-icon app interface for seniors who are tech-confident and prefer to book their own rides independently.

• No Smartphone: Uber's call-to-ride service (1-833-USE-UBER) or third-party options like GoGoGrandparent enable ride requests via phone call.

• Accessibility: Utilize Uber Assist to get drivers specially trained to help with mobility devices like walkers and wheelchairs.

• Payment Options: Medicare Flex cards may be used for eligible medical trips, and payment can be managed by a caregiver through a Family Profile.

• Safety Features: Emphasize verifying the driver's details and using the trip sharing feature to track rides in real-time.

Mobility is a cornerstone of independence, and for many seniors, giving up the car keys can be a significant life change. However, services like Uber have evolved to make transportation more accessible and less intimidating for older adults. With features like 'Senior Accounts' and 'Simple Mode,' along with dedicated services for caregivers, Uber provides flexible solutions for a variety of needs. This guide will walk you through the options, from setting up an account for a tech-savvy senior to arranging rides for those who prefer not to use a smartphone.

Option 1: Using Uber's Family Profile for a Senior Account

Uber's Family Profile feature is an excellent way for caregivers and family members to help manage transportation for an elderly loved one while offering support and peace of mind. The senior gets a simplified version of the app, and you can track their rides in real-time.

How to Create a Family Profile

1. Open your Uber App: Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the bottom right corner.
2. Select 'Family': This will take you to the Family Profile setup screen.
3. Add a New Member: Tap 'Add new member' and select the 'Senior' option.
4. Invite Your Loved One: Choose your loved one from your contacts. They will receive a text message inviting them to join your Family Profile.
5. Senior Accepts the Invite: Your elderly loved one must accept the invitation on their smartphone. If they don't have the Uber app, the link will prompt them to download it.

Once they accept, their account is set up, often automatically defaulting to 'Simple Mode.' You can now book rides for them, manage payments, and track their trips from your own phone, regardless of your location.

How a Senior Uses Their New Account

After setup, the senior can request rides independently using their simplified app. Key features for them include:

• Simplified Experience: Larger text and icons make navigation easier and reduce confusion.
• Saved Places: Frequently visited locations, like 'Home' or 'Doctor's Office,' can be saved for one-tap booking.
• Direct Access: A streamlined home screen minimizes clutter and focuses on the essential booking process.

Option 2: Enabling Simple Mode for Independent Seniors

For older adults who are tech-confident and prefer to manage their own Uber account without a Family Profile, Uber's 'Simple Mode' is the ideal solution. It customizes the app to be more user-friendly for anyone who prefers a less cluttered interface.

How to Turn on Simple Mode

1. Tap 'Account': Go to the 'Account' tab in the bottom right of the Uber app.
2. Select 'Settings': Find and tap the 'Settings' option.
3. Choose 'Accessibility': Scroll until you see the 'Accessibility' menu.
4. Toggle 'Simple Mode': Tap 'Simple mode' and switch the toggle to the 'On' position.

Simple Mode simplifies the app's appearance, making it easier to read and navigate. This allows seniors to maintain full control over their transportation while benefiting from a tailored user experience.

Option 3: Booking for a Senior Without a Smartphone

For seniors who don't have a smartphone or are not comfortable with apps, there are still ways to use ridesharing services. Uber offers a phone-based request service, and third-party options also exist.

Using Uber's Call-to-Ride Service

Uber provides a dedicated phone service to book rides for yourself or a loved one from any phone capable of receiving text messages.

1. Call the Service: Dial 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237).
2. Speak to a Representative: An Uber team member will help you set up an account if needed and request a ride.
3. Receive Trip Details: The account holder will get a text message with details about the confirmed trip, including the driver's name, car model, and license plate number.

Third-Party Concierge Services (GoGoGrandparent)

Services like GoGoGrandparent act as a bridge between seniors and rideshare apps. Seniors can call a toll-free number, use an automated menu, or speak to a live operator to request a ride. This service adds a layer of human assistance, handles the booking, and even tracks the ride for added safety.

Comparing Uber for Seniors Options

Deciding on the best method for setting up Uber for the elderly depends on their tech comfort level and whether caregiver oversight is desired. Here is a comparison to help you choose.

Feature	Family Profile (Senior Account)	Simple Mode (Independent)	Third-Party Services (e.g., GoGoGrandparent)
Requires Smartphone?	Yes	Yes	No, uses phone calls
Caregiver Oversight?	Yes, live trip tracking and payment management	No, senior has full control	Yes, caregiver can arrange rides and receive alerts
Payment Flexibility?	Yes, caregiver can pay or use senior's Medicare Flex card	Yes, senior manages their own payment method(s)	No, payment is typically managed through the service provider
Ease of Use for Senior	Very easy, simplified app interface, saved places	Very easy, simplified app interface, saved places	Extremely easy, no app needed, just a phone call
Best For	Seniors needing caregiver support and oversight	Tech-confident seniors who want an easier interface	Seniors without smartphones or who prefer a human touch

Safety and Accessibility Features for Senior Riders

Beyond the setup process, Uber offers specific features designed to enhance the safety and comfort of senior riders.

Uber Assist

This specialized service is available in many cities and connects riders with trained drivers who are certified to help people with accessibility needs, including those with folding wheelchairs or walkers. This provides valuable assistance from the door to the car.

Trip Sharing and Driver Verification

Before every ride, seniors or caregivers can verify the driver's name, license plate, and car model against the information in the app or text message. Additionally, the trip status can be shared with a trusted contact, allowing them to track the ride in real-time.

Integration with Health Benefits

For eligible trips (like medical appointments), some Medicare Advantage plans and health benefit cards can be added as a payment method in the Uber app. This makes it easier to use transportation benefits without extra hassle.

Conclusion: Empowering Seniors with Accessible Transportation

Setting up Uber for an elderly loved one can be a straightforward process, thanks to new features designed for accessibility and safety. Whether you choose the caregiver-assisted Family Profile or the independent Simple Mode, the goal is to provide reliable and dignified transportation. Options are also available for those without smartphones, ensuring everyone can benefit from modern ridesharing. The convenience and safety of these services can help older adults stay connected with their community and maintain their independence for longer, reducing the burden on family members and supporting their overall well-being. For more detailed information on ridesharing alternatives and senior mobility resources, consult the comprehensive guides available from reputable sources such as Caring.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up Uber for an elderly parent who doesn't have a smartphone?

Yes, you can. For a senior without a smartphone, you can either request a ride for them using your own Uber app or they can use Uber's call-to-ride service by dialing 1-833-USE-UBER from any phone that receives texts. This service sets up the account and confirms trip details via text message.

What is the Uber Family Profile and how does it work for seniors?

The Uber Family Profile allows a caregiver to set up and manage an account for a senior. The senior is invited to join, and once they accept, they get access to a simplified app called 'Simple Mode.' The caregiver can then track their trips, manage payments, and book rides on their behalf.

What is Uber's 'Simple Mode'?

Simple Mode is a streamlined in-app experience designed for seniors and others who prefer a simpler interface. It features larger text and icons, fewer buttons, and a clear, focused booking process to reduce confusion and make requesting rides easier.

How do I book a ride for my elderly loved one from my own phone?

To book a ride for a loved one from your phone, you should add them to your Uber Family Profile. When requesting a ride, you can specify their pickup location. Both you and the senior will be able to track the trip in real-time. Do not share your personal account, as this is against Uber's policy.

Does Medicare cover Uber rides for seniors?

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer benefits that cover eligible transportation services, including Uber rides for medical appointments. Check with the plan provider to see if they are an approved Uber partner and if your loved one's specific plan offers this benefit.

Are Uber drivers specially trained to assist elderly passengers?

Uber offers a service called Uber Assist, which connects passengers with specially trained, highly-rated drivers. These drivers are certified to help with accessibility needs, including assistance with folding wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices, and can be requested through the app.

What are some safety tips for an elderly person using Uber?

Key safety tips include: always verifying the driver's name, license plate, and car model against the app; using the in-app safety features like 'Share Trip Status'; avoiding sharing personal account details; and using Uber Assist for mobility support.

Can an elderly person use their Medicare Flex card to pay for Uber?

If an elderly person has an eligible Medicare Advantage plan, they may be able to add their Flex card as a payment method in the Uber app. This allows the card to be used for eligible medical-related trips.