Long-distance medical transportation is a necessity for people with disabilities and older adults. The safety that conventional transportation systems cannot provide is offered by a NEMT Door to door service. Such services have fully equipped vans with safety belts, crutches, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc. Whether you want to go for a doctor's appointment or take a trip, NEMT services are always available.
Several services offer special transportation facilities, but you must be careful when choosing one, especially for a long-distance journey. Thorough research about the company and its services is very important. You must understand what facilities they offer and how well trained the staff is. The best way is to visit their website or contact them via email or telephone. You can also review the feedback and ratings of previous and existing customers to gauge their standard of service.
Since you will need NEMT services ranging from patient transport to medical appointments, tying up with a trusted company will greatly help you. Ensure that you get value for your money and your patient is safe by asking the following questions.
FAQs Regarding Long Distance Medical Transportation for Seniors
Q1. What Kind of Vehicles Do They Use?
The importance of senior transportation lies heavily in the vehicles they use. People book NEMT services mainly due to the van's adaptability to transport delicate patients. Find out if they have all the safety equipment and what they do in case of emergencies. In the case of bedridden patients, make sure that they have stretcher facilities.
Since we are talking about long-distance transportation, the vehicle's features are even more important to ensure that the patient is safe throughout the transit.
Q2. What About Patient Transfer?
While most NEMT services have trained people to conduct stretcher transfers, it is always good to confirm it. Ask if the caregivers are trained and educated about transfers. Stretcher transfers must be done tactfully and delicately, or else the patient might suffer bruises, injury, and pain. Professionals do the job best and thus make sure the company has only trained staff to conduct the job.
Q3. Do They Have Bariatric Services?
If your patient is obese, you must opt for a bariatric service. It is a special transportation service for the overweight. Do not book a regular service, as it can be dangerous during transfers, causing harm to the patient and people handling them.
Q4. What Information Must the Customer Provide?
Before you get down to booking a service, know what details you must provide and keep everything ready. Be clear about the address, the name of the location, and the kind of service you are looking for.
Q5. Will There be Caregivers?
It may not be possible for a family member to accompany them in the vehicle, and leaving your loved one with strangers in a van can be difficult. Thus feel free to question them about how many caregivers they are ready to provide and their qualifications in nursing.
Q6. How Comfortable Will Your Patient Be?
Comfort is paramount when it comes to long-distance travel for seniors. Since they will be in the vehicle for quite some time, they must feel at ease throughout the journey. If the patient has motion sickness, ask them to place him facing forward. Ask about the kind of padding the stretcher has and what the caregivers do if the patients complain of discomfort.
Moreover, ask about the driver and if the company always tracks their drivers. Some drivers drive rashly, which can cause discomfort to the patient. Ask them what protocols they have about the speed limit and repercussions of rash driving before booking an appointment.
Q7. What Happens in The Case of An Emergency?
While we do not wish for emergencies, we must always be prepared for one. If such an emergency takes place during transit, the caregivers must be able to provide preliminary respite to the patient. Ask if the staff has CPR, AED, and first aid training to handle such situations. Some services also have a direct line with hospitals that help caregivers give the best preliminary treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Long-distance transportation for seniors allows them to visit the best doctors and not confine their options due to distance alone. Besides, it can also be used for trips. Traveling is among the healthy aging tips for retired seniors that help them live a better life. One does not need to give up traveling in old age. Book the best long-distance senior transportation service to plan holidays and enjoy life.
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