Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month: Plug-in to Care with Travel Training

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor the 63 million family caregivers across the country who dedicate their time, energy and devotion to supporting loved ones with health needs. This year’s theme, Plug-in To Care, set by the Caregiver Action Network, encourages caregivers to “plug in” to resources that can make their caregiving journey more manageable, and travel training is tool that can help.

Photo Credit: North Central Kansas Coordinated Transit District OCCK, Inc., Salina, KS

Who Are Family Caregivers?

Family caregivers are adult children, spouses, siblings, parents and neighbors who help loved ones who are unable to live independently. They manage everything from housekeeping and meals to medication, finances and transportation. According to the Caregiving in the US Survey, 80% of family caregivers provide transportation for their loved one, but only 25% use formal transportation services to help. This gap presents a powerful opportunity for transportation providers to step up and support caregivers more effectively, and travel training is a big part of the solution.

Why Transportation Matters

On average, family caregivers spend an average of 20+ hours per week providing care, leaving limited time to care for their own needs. This puts caregivers at a higher risk of health problems, depression and anxiety. When caregivers “plug in” to community resources they gain time, relief and peace of mind.

Transportation providers can be part of the solution! By understanding the unique needs of family caregivers and offering important services like travel training, transportation programs can become trusted partners in care for family caregivers.

Photo Credit: Area Agency on Aging of SC Connecticut, North Haven, CT

Five Ways Transportation Providers Can Support Family Caregivers

1.     Make Outreach Personal and Practical

Caregivers are frequently unaware of the transportation services that are available, and they are too busy to research the options. Partner with caregiver support professionals at Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living, Human Service agencies and respite organizations to provide information about transportation options, service area, hours, cost, eligibility and level of assistance. Share resources such as the My Transportation Plan Tool  to help them create a transportation plan. You could even offer to speak at a support group or caregiver class.

2.     Build Confidence Through Travel Training

Many caregivers and care recipients have not used public transportation before, and that first ride can feel daunting. Travel training is a powerful tool to turn uncertainty into confidence. By offering personalized instruction, ride-alongs, and hands-on support, travel trainers help caregivers and those they care for feel safe, informed and ready to navigate transportation independently. Whether it’s learning to use an app, understanding routes or practicing a trip together, travel training opens the door to peace of mind for family caregivers.

3.     Honor the Role of Caregiver

Caregivers often see themselves as “just family,” not as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), even when they are providing essential support. Under ADA Rules, PCA’s can ride along fare-free (see Chapter 9.8 in FTA Circular 4710.1). Understand that family caregivers frequently act in the capacity of a PCA but would hesitate to call themself a PCA. Be mindful of your terminology and be sure to explain that if a caregiver assists with a necessary task at any point during the trip, they qualify for this benefit.

4.     Build Trust Through Training

Caregivers worry about handing off care and they need to know that their loved one is safe. That’s why it’s essential to train drivers and staff to work effectively with older adults and people with disabilities. Use resources like NADTC’s Access Matters videos and the Assisting Passengers with Alzheimer’s and Dementia brochure to build sensitivity and awareness. These tools offer practical tips for supporting individuals with disabilities, including those with memory loss. Share stories of success using your travel training program and show caregivers the training and safety measures in place. This reassurance helps build trust and encourages caregivers to give your service a try.

5.     Encourage Caregivers to Accept Help

Caregivers are not always excited about accepting help. Use empathetic language and practical examples of how your program can benefit both the caregiver and their loved one. Remind them that accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. While it might be easier to do it themselves in the short-term, learning how to use a transportation program will save time and provide options in the long run. Once they experience the benefits, they’ll return and spread the word.

Final Thoughts

Travel trainers can play a vital role in helping caregivers Plug-in to Care. By offering compassionate instruction, building partnerships, and learning more about caregivers, travel training becomes more than a service—it becomes a lifeline. Let’s celebrate caregivers this month, and every month, by making transportation more accessible, inclusive, and empowering.

For more tools and resources, visit NADTC’s webpage, Caregiving and Transportation: Tools, Tips and Resources to help close the gap between transportation and family caregiver support.