As we age and mobility decreases, activities that we used to take for granted are more difficult to do. Going up and down the stairs, doing laundry, preparing meals, and traveling to medical appointments can even become dangerous. However, while some of these activities can be handled by others, regularly seeing medical professionals is essential for seniors’ health and wellness. Therefore, it makes sense to plan ahead to ensure their travel is as safe as possible.
Whether you can drive your senior loved one to their appointments yourself or you need to find another solution, we can help you make sure they get where they need to go. Read on to find out the top appointment travel tips for your senior family member.
Bring Them to the Appointment
While it seems obvious, your first option is to take your family member to their appointment yourself. They’re likely most comfortable with you, and you know their medical details and preferences. But if you drive them, there are some tips you should keep in mind:
- Bring any necessary mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or cane.
- Call ahead or research parking or a drop-off area to avoid additional walking.
- Give yourself extra time to ensure you can get your loved one safely into and out of the vehicle without risking being late for the appointment.
Hire a Medical Vehicle
Medical vehicles may be a great option if your loved one has a wheelchair and they find it difficult to enter and exit your car. Typically, the operator of a medical vehicle won’t just drive but will also help your loved one into and out of the vehicle. If you would like a recommendation for a trusted medical vehicle service in our area, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Enlist the Help of a Professional
Ensure your elderly loved one receives the care they need safely by hiring a caregiver who can take them to and from their appointments. Often, these caregivers assist with not only transportation but also medication reminders, food preparation, companionship, and more. You can call on a professional to help routinely or just as needed. Care.com is an excellent resource for finding a local caregiver for specific tasks like appointment transportation.
Turn to an Assisted Living Community
If your loved one requires compassionate care that can’t be made available at home, turn to The Landing at Cape Elizabeth. We have on-staff nurses who ensure your loved one doesn’t need to travel to get the care they need each day, and if they need to see outside medical professionals, we can get them to and from their appointments. We provide not just professional physical care but also nutritious meals, entertainment, and compassion.
Call us today to learn more about our communities and to schedule a tour of our community in Cape Elizabeth, ME.
