Over 40% of older adults, as well as younger adults with disabilities, depend on loved ones, friends, or neighbors for rides to appointments. Even in the best of circumstances, these medical appointments and other routine care, like trips to the dentist, can create higher than normal stress for some seniors. That’s especially true for those with memory care needs, which can make elder care appointments feel even more daunting. Let’s discuss some best practices for ensuring safety and providing a sense of calm while transporting seniors to their appointments.
Provide Reminders and Reassurance
Have a checklist of what to bring to the appointment, provided by the doctor’s office or the primary caregiver. Make sure the senior has insurance cards and other essentials on hand. Remind them about what the appointment is for, and be prepared to briefly reexplain this multiple times, if needed, along the way. Reassure them that all is well and you expect the appointment to go smoothly.
Make the Ride Comfortable
To make the ride a more pleasant experience, you could play calming music that the senior enjoys. Make sure the temperature feels comfortable. Use a seat pad to improve comfort if needed, and have an extra blanket on hand in case they feel cold. Answer any questions about the appointment that arise, but work to dispel anxiety by talking about other subjects as well.
Stay at the Office During the Appointment
Particularly for seniors with dementia, it’s important for the person providing transport to remain at the doctor’s office during the visit. As soon as the appointment is done, they can be safely taken home. Having to wait alone in an unfamiliar environment could lead to agitation or, worse, the urge to wander.
Additionally, office staff might need to pass along instructions or info on follow-up appointments to the person providing transport. Being available to accept these crucial updates is vital.
Provide Post-Appointment Support
Check in with the doctor’s office about follow-up care that you should provide. You may need to pick up a prescription or fix certain kinds of food after a surgical appointment, for instance. Make sure the senior has any belongings, insurance cards, or follow-up support items they need, too, as you leave the office. Keeping a drink and a snack on hand may also be helpful, if they are able to eat and drink afterward.
Offer Consistency
Having a familiar face to transport a senior to appointments provides a sense of reassurance. If your loved one needs help getting to doctor’s appointments, a home care service can be the best solution. Instead of going with a stranger who handles only the driving, you’ll get a dedicated caregiver who can provide all the necessary support and reassurance before, during, and after each appointment. Plus, they’ll understand your loved one’s needs and how to ensure their safety and comfort.
Wondering how to fund seniors’ transport to appointments? Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, a benefit under Medicaid and some Medicare Advantage plans, can fund transport to doctor’s appointments in wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Talk with your state’s Medicaid program to learn more about this option.
Our home care aides follow these best practices to make appointments more relaxed, while also prioritizing safety. With consistent, capable care, you’ll know your loved one is in good hands for every appointment. Contact us to schedule a free nurse consultation call, where we can discuss how our skilled elder care professionals can support your loved one’s needs.
