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Taking Grandpa to the Doctor

Medical checkups and regular visits to the doctor become increasingly important as a person ages. Taking an elderly relative with mobility limitations to a doctor or other medical appointment can be a problem for family members and caregivers. Since they cannot drive themselves, someone has to take them and then bring them home. This responsibility typically falls on a family member. However, in an increasingly time strapped world, dropping a long standing commitment to transport Grandpa can be a major problem. In addition, there are the special needs. For example, if Grandpa is wheelchair bound, using a family car can be a huge challenge, not to mention the discomfort to him, the tension for you and the safe transportation issues. It’s not really a good idea to do it yourself.

The Transportation Options

  • Driving Grandpa yourself is not, for the reasons mentioned, the best option.
  • You could use the standard yellow cab. But cab drivers are not trained in dealing with and transporting the elderly and mobility impaired. Even if they want to, they will not know how to help the person into the taxi, carry the wheelchair and at the destination, help grandpa out and back into the wheelchair.
  • Ridesharing is a possibility, but here too the same problems as with the yellow cab will arise. Rideshare companies screen their drivers’ background and driving records, but they are not given any training in transport those with limited mobility.
  • Ambulances are typically meant for emergency situations and taking Grandpa to a doctor’s appointment or out for a social visit does not fall into that category. You can’t call 911 for help taking Grandpa for his scheduled checkup or to go to a granddaughter’s wedding.

It is because of the problems that arise when transporting the mobility impaired for non-emergency travel that the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation came into being.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

NEMT is the best way to take Grandpa to the doctor. It is also the best option for those who have temporary mobility issues like patients recovering from surgery or an injury. NEMT vehicles are specially modified to transport the mobility impaired so they are able to travel in comfort and safety. Air conditioning adds to the comfort levels. NEMT drivers are trained in transporting the mobility impaired and can do a much better job of it than a layman. When it is a loved one’s safety and comfort involved, you cannot afford to compromise on quality. Use only an NEMT service that has the experience and a proven track record of transporting people in the best possible manner. Look for one that is available 24x7 and that offers domestic service as well as event standby. Of course, it should be fully insured. With the right NEMT, you are freed from the responsibility of ensuring that Grandpa is taken, in the right manner, to where he needs to go.
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