Moving an elderly person from one place to another is challenging. Limited mobility, dementia and other medical issues can leave a person without the ability to drive or communicate clearly. Family members and friends may not have the time to help the individual, especially when they must travel a long way for care or to move into a new facility. This is where long distance non emergency medical transport can help.

Considerations

When an older person uses a wheelchair or has other medical limitations, a typical vehicle may not be able to accommodate them safely or comfortably. Having to sit for a long stretch of time poses a risk of blood clots, and there are also rest stops, medications and hotel stays that may prove stressful and upsetting. While traveling alone may be less costly, the safety and well being of an elderly individual is priceless. A professional service will ensure that a loved one reaches their destination in the most efficient and comfortable manner.

Best Methods of Transport

Transporting an elderly person can be done either by air or by ground. In many cases, ground transport is an excellent choice because the person can be quickly taken to the nearest hospital in an emergency situation. It is best to not choose the least costly service because the person could be sitting on a gurney for hours rather than resting comfortably in bed. This is a very unpleasant way to travel over a distance. A quality transport company will have special medical coaches with a hospital bed and the necessary equipment for the journey. There should also be two professional drivers and a nurse to monitor the elderly person’s condition. The service should be able to handle the following factors:

• Fatigue. A long-distance trip is very tiring to an older person with medical problems. The staff should be prepared to deal with anxiety and emotional issues, especially if there is dementia.

• Medical needs. The person’s health needs should be closely monitored throughout the journey and medication given when needed.

• Rest stops. If there is not a toilet facility on the vehicle, the staff should be willing to stop as often as the person requires it. It is also a good idea to let the person stretch their legs, if they can walk. This lowers the risk of blood clots.

• Food and dietary restrictions. Elderly people often have restricted diets or need to eat on a schedule to manage blood sugar and take medications. The staff should be willing to accommodate this.

• Sleeping and overall comfort. The vehicle should be equipped with a hospital grade bed to allow the person to stretch out and sleep in the most comfortable manner.

• Emergency situations. Accidents are a very rare event, but if one were to happen, the staff should know exactly what to do to aid and protect the passenger.

When it comes to transporting an elderly loved one, quality should always be considered over cost. Saving a few dollars is not worth the risk to a loved one’s health.

Medical Transport Services are experts in long distance non-emergency medical transport. The experienced and caring staff will provide the highest level of care while ensuring both safety and comfort to the elderly person. For more information, visit the website or call 1-800-687-0607 to learn more about the service and all the available options.