Infirmity is an unfortunate side-effect of advanced age. Activities that used to be easy gradually become more difficult and tiring, and the person becomes increasingly dependent on caretakers and assistive devices such as canes and wheelchairs.
Getting from point A to point B is one of the many activities that become challenging or even impossible for an elderly or disabled individual. Fortunately, there are companies that provide excellent medical transportation that includes services such as stretcher transportation and wheelchair car transportation in San Diego.
In this article, we’ll offer a few pointers on how to make transportation easier for the elderly and the disabled. We’ll also give you the name of a respected transportation service in San Diego that can make transporting a wheelchair-bound patient simple and comfortable. Read on.
How do I safely transport a disabled or elderly person?
The first thing to consider is the nature of the patient’s disability. It’s an unfortunate reality that certain disabilities make transportation in a standard passenger car risky or even outright hurtful to a patient. For instance, if the patient needs a stretcher, you should always leave the transportation to trained professionals.
Here’s a list of things you should consider when transporting an aging person:
- Make sure your car is in good working order. This includes conducting routine maintenance, having safe tires, having functional seat belts, and so on. The last thing you want is for your car to stall somewhere, or worse, cause an accident while you’re transporting your loved one.
- Proper shoes and clothing. Ensure that the elderly or disabled person you’re transporting is dressed well for the weather. Don’t forget that seniors tend to be more sensitive to temperature changes. Also, make sure they’re wearing well-soled shoes to help prevent falls and slips.
- Be careful when exiting and entering the car because that’s when most accidents happen. Assist them when they’re getting in and out of the vehicle. Consider buying assistive devices and handles that can be kept in your car at all times.
- Don’t forget assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes, and walkers. You should always have them at hand even if your elderly loved one doesn’t use them often. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Keep their condition in mind. If the person is suffering from dementia or some other cognitive problem, you must plan ahead to ensure they aren’t left alone during the trip. Eat, use the restroom, gas up the car, etc., before starting your trip.
- Get assistance. If you feel you’re unable to properly transport your aging loved one, consider hiring a trusted non-emergency medical transportation company to do it for you.
What are the advantages of non-emergency medical transportation?
Non-emergency medical transportation is designed to ensure people who don’t need immediate medical attention (ie. they’re not in a life-threatening condition) can still get to their doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy sessions, physical therapy, etc.
Needless to say, this is extremely useful to an old or disabled individual for whom public transit isn’t an option and who lacks other methods of transportation.
Where can I book the finest wheelchair car transportation San Diego can offer?
Whether you need to make sure an elderly person gets to the Naval Medical Center San Diego safely and without hassle, or you’re looking for a top-notch airport transportation service, Stay Classy Transportation is uniquely qualified to give you a smooth ride.
As the top transportation company in San Diego, we boast the skills, the experience, and the equipment necessary to provide safe and dependable transportation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today and book our services. We’re confident you’ll be impressed with the quality of what we provide.
