Hospice care fills an invaluable role in society by providing a service that focuses on the quality of life for people who are struggling with terminal illnesses and are in the final stages of their life. They treat suffering patients by creating an environment where they can relax and be as comfortable as possible, where family and friends can visit and spend time with them throughout their final days with the assurance that they are as well-cared for as possible.
While some hospices may be able to care for a patient in the comfort of their homes, others may need patients to relocate to their facilities to properly care for them. For such cases, having safe and reliable medical transportation is key in ensuring your loved one’s comfort as they move into a hospice home.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
If your loved ones require relocation to a hospice and need special medical care to accommodate them, non-emergency medical transportation may be your best option. NEMT services exist to provide seniors and patients with safe and reliable transportation, with drivers who are qualified to care for them in the case of an emergency during transit. Here are five ways that NEMT transportation can make relocating to a hospice better.
Stretcher Accommodation
If your loved one has severe physical limitations that prevent them from comfortably riding in a normal passenger vehicle, NEMT services can fill that gap. Many NEMT services offer stretcher transportation, allowing patients who cannot enter or exit vehicles on their own to safely be transported by professionals.
Wheelchair Accommodation
Like a stretcher, wheelchairs can be difficult to accommodate in passenger vehicles, especially if yours is not specially modified to accommodate one. NEMT vehicles can transport wheelchair patients to and from their homes, ensuring they are comfortable throughout the ride.
Bariatric Transportation
For some overweight patients, standard passenger vehicles may not have the capacity to safely transport them. Bariatric transportation can carry weight as heavy as 992 lbs, using a bariatric stretcher and a specially equipped vehicle with additional staff to safely transport a patient to their destination. Before hiring bariatric transportation, you should speak with a medical professional about whether bariatric transportation is required to relocate your loved one to a hospice or not.
Door-To-Door Services
If a patient has severe physical limitations that prevent them from relocating to a hospice without assistance, door-to-door services can be a big help. Rather than waiting at the curbside for pickup, the driver will enter your home and assist with moving the patient from their bed and into the vehicle. Upon arriving at the hospice, the driver will again assist with transferring them to their new accommodation. If your loved one cannot leave their room without help, you should look for NEMT services that offer door-to-door pickup.
Comfortable Experience
In addition to any special equipment to accommodate any medical needs a patient may have, NEMT vehicles are also made to ensure maximum comfort throughout the ride. You can request vehicles with low floors, raised ceilings, or lifts and ramps to assist patients as they enter without any difficulty. They also have rear heating and air conditioning that can be adjusted to fit every patient’s preference. Finally, to make the ride more enjoyable, drivers may also offer to play a variety of music that can make the ride more fun.
Stellar Transport
If your loved one requires professional assistance with relocating into hospice care, Stellar Transport can ensure they reach their destination safely and reliably. Drivers are certified in elderly patient sensitivity, and vehicles have the necessary tools in the case of an emergency and ensure maximum comfort throughout the ride. To schedule a ride, contact us today.