When you can’t drive your loved one to a doctor appointment or other activity, how do you ensure the best person for the job does it for you? Transportation for seniors isn’t as easy as jumping on the city bus—not with wheelchairs, canes, or health impediments.
As a leading choice for non-emergency medical transportation in Melbourne, we have a unique understanding of what makes seniors and their loved ones feel secure. Here are some things to consider when finding transportation for seniors to ensure a safe, comfortable, and successful trip.
#1. Are Door-Through-Door Transportation Services Available?
Does your loved one require door-through-door services, or rather, someone to come inside and help escort them out to the car? If your loved one has physical limitations, is bed-ridden, or relies on a wheelchair, door-through-door services may be a crucial component of transportation.
Door-through-door services include physical assistance, such as getting out of bed or opening and closing doors, as well as verbal guidance. Services may also include the driver assisting with packages or other carry-ons.
Every service does not offer this level of care, which is why it’s so important to inquire ahead of time. We proudly offer door-through-door services. Whatever you need, simply tell us ahead of time and we come prepared to provide full-service support.
#2. What are Transportation Costs?
Compare multiple transportation companies for price to find the most service for your money. Ask questions about available discounts for frequent riders and how costs are calculated. This will give you a better idea if you are getting a good deal or overpaying—and we firmly believe no one needs to overpay for quality senior transportation.
#3. Do They Offer Long Distance Transportation?
If you or your loved one needs to travel outside of Melbourne, be sure to ask about long distance rates and how charges are applied. Not all companies offer long distance transportation so this is something to ask about from the get-go. We offer some of the most affordable long distance rates in town, learn more here: https://www.stellartransport.com/book-long-distance-transportation/
#4. How Far in Advance Do You Need to Reserve Your Ride?
Find out how far ahead of time rides book out; one-week, two-weeks, a couple of days? This gives you the chance to book all rides on time and prevent having to find an un-booked company at the last minute, which often results in overpaying out of desperation.
#5. Do Seniors Share Rides?
Some ride services offer carpooling to cut back costs. This might sound great for seniors on a tighter budget, but at the same time it can reduce the level of personal care and attention patients receive. It can also increase the amount of time seniors remain in the vehicle while others are dropped off/picked up. Make sure to get all the details before signing up for a carpool-type situation.
#6. Are Vehicles Wheelchair Friendly?
A safe ride for someone in a wheelchair requires different things than a safe ride for someone that does not rely on a wheelchair. That’s why it’s so important to ask about vehicle accessibility, safety features, if patients ride in or out of their wheelchairs, and what sort of equipment vehicles are set up with.
Our newer-model vehicles are fully equipped to safely transport wheelchair and stretcher patients, as well as bariatric patients.
#7. What Types of Vehicles are Used for Transportation?
The quality and safety of transportation has a lot to do with the types of vehicles a service employs. Are vehicles new, clean, and up to date on the latest safety regulations? These are important questions to ask. All our vehicles are never more than a few years old, and undergo weekly detailing and service inspections.
#8. Are Drivers Monitored?
Drivers are ultimately in control of your loved one’s safety, that’s why we stress the importance of safe and defensive driving with our highly professional team. Plus, we require all drivers go through senior sensitivity training to provide the highest level of care and support.
Furthermore, all vehicles are hooked up with driver monitoring systems so we know right away if someone is running red lights or driving too fast. Don’t get us wrong, we truly trust our teams of qualified drivers, and because of all the monitoring we conduct, we know with certainty that you can trust them too.