You Don’t Have To Drive Everywhere

We Americans are mobile people and the urge to be able to move around freely is built into our genes. A key factor in this desire to be mobile is being able to drive. It means that you are able to go where you want, when you want, without needing the help of anyone. In fact, being mobile is part of being independent. We often take it for granted that we can jump into a car and drive anytime to run errands or to meet a friend for a meal. That is, we do so until it becomes a problem. Often age and/or medical problems can prevent a person from driving or severely limit the amount and type of driving that are safe and possible. An example of this is vision changes that come with increasing age. That is why so many of the elderly do not drive at night. Or it may be a case where for age or medical reasons, some days are just difficult for driving.

What Are The Alternatives?

Not being able to drive does not mean being able to go out. There are a number of alternatives available. The first and most obvious option is to use taxis or rideshares. The problem with these is that they are more expensive than driving yourself and equally, if not more importantly, that you may not always get a ride when you need one. Imagine going out for dinner and not finding transportation to get home. Another alternative is using public transport – buses and subways. While these are more economical, the issues that make it difficult or impossible for you to drive may also cause problems when using the bus or subway. The third option is to ask family and friends to drive you around or to schedule your trips to coincide with their movements. Asking others for rides on a regular basis is awkward and embarrassing because no one wants to feel like they are a burden on others. Trying to adjust your movements to those of others will never work in the long run. If you are a millionaire, you can employ a driver to take you where you need to go.

The Right Solution

For those with health issues that limit or prevent them from driving, there is only one viable option for retaining their mobility independence. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a service that serves the transport needs of those who, for medical reasons, cannot drive themselves or use taxis or public transportation. NEMT offers specially equipped vehicles to transport those with medical conditions safely and comfortably. The drivers are trained in the special transportation needs of those with medical conditions and will provide all possible assistance to passengers. The best companies offer doorstep pickup and event standby so that you can be sure of getting to your destination in time but also of returning home safely and comfortably. The large vans that are also available make this a great transport choice for groups where one or more people are wheelchair-bound or have other health issues. To be sure of traveling in safety and comfort, contact a professional NEMT service with an established track record.