Before picking just any nursing home transportation provider in Melbourne, it’s important to assess your options to determine the best fit for your loved one. Non-emergency medical transportation is a popular option for medical appointments because it is so important that one makes it there on time, in fact their health depends on it. Therefore, finding a reliable service to get your loved one where they need to go is key to preserving their health and wellbeing.
7 Things to Consider for Nursing Home Transportation
Here are some important things to know and consider before arranging a ride for your senior loved one.
Does the service specialize in wheelchairs and stretchers?
If your loved one gets around in a wheelchair or is bed ridden, it’s paramount to uncover if a service specializes in transporting patients in wheelchairs or on a stretcher. There are safety precautions put into place if this is something a company specializes in. For instance, vehicles are properly outfitted to transport chairs and stretchers, and drivers know how to safely get patients in and out of the vehicle without causing harm or discomfort.
Are drivers certified in senior sensitivity?
Have drivers undergone any sort of training to educate them on senior sensitivity? In order to work with seniors, it’s important that drivers know what they are doing. This will keep seniors comfortable, happy, and under the care of knowledgeable hands.
Do they offer door-through-door service, or is it just curb-to-curb?
Seniors often require assistance getting in and out of their home. If this is the case, it’s important to ask if a service provides door-through-door service. This means they will enter a home or nursing home and personally escort the patient out. On the other hand, curb-to-curb pick up requires the patient can make it out to the curb on their own.
Nursing homes often offer to assist patients getting outside for their ride, and the charge for this may be included in the monthly rate. It may cost a little extra to have this service provided by a transportation company, so you may want to check with the nursing home first.
What is the cost?
Cost is always an important factor to consider. You might be surprised how far apart quotes can be in the same area. We recommend calling 2-3 non-emergency medical transportation providers to see who can offer the best rate for the highest quality service.
If a transportation service offers suspiciously low rates, it’s important to check their reviews and ask questions regarding their experience, qualifications, vehicles, and so forth.
How far in advance do you need to make a reservation?
Find out well ahead of time how far in advance you need to make a reservation, that way you ensure that the ride is booked well ahead of time.
Can the driver help with bags and other belongings?
It might seem like a simple question, but it can help you to determine how much assistance a service is willing to provide. Always make sure to inquire if there are additional fees for helping assist with bags or other belongings.
Do they offer local and long-distance transportation?
Depending on how far you need to travel it’s important to know if a company offers just local transportation or if they also offer long distance transportation. Find out the cost along with any stipulations or added fees for long distance.
Stellar Transportation at Your Service
Do you live in Melbourne, Florida? Then look no further than Stellar Transportation to provide a safe, affordable, and comfortable ride for your loved one. We specialize in wheelchair and stretcher transportation, as well as nursing home transportation. Plus, all of our drivers are certified in senior sensitivity.
Contact us today with any questions, to get a quote, or to book your ride!