My parents live a rural small town un UT. They have to drive 70 miles to a proper hospital and any specialist as well as a Walmart. I had a conversation with them 2 years ago about moving to a little bigger town which would be a little closer me. I am a 4 hour drive away from them. They are trying to hold onto their independence by staying in this 2 stop light town because they won't be able to get around in a bigger town. They are 83 and in relatively descent health. Little medical issues are beginning to come about though. I worry when they have to drive 140 miles round trip for anything major, or even the Walmart run.
Any suggestions or experience with a similar issue?
What are the other seniors who live that small, rural town doing for their medical transportation needs?
Unfortunately, it will be extremely difficult to convince your parents to move because they know their town like the back of their hand. And they probably know everyone in town, too.
Moving to some place new would be too confusing, especially if your parents were still driving. They would be leaving their friends. That would mean new everything that is important to them.
The only way to have your parents move is when there is a medical emergency, rehab, then into some type of assisted living.
Back many decades ago, my Dad's parents lived way out in the county on a farm. Eventually it was time to move to the "big city".... well, actually more like a small village with two stop-signs. They bought a smaller farm. They lived and died in that village. That is what they wanted.
It's so hard not to worry about how things will get worse and that they could have a car accident. They are happy to be independent where they are at but they do get frustrated when they have to make extra trips at far distances. And not having family close to help when they need it.