Mom has a chronic wound, Dad has to get dialysis three times a week, and you have a full-time job. Your great-aunt lives with your parents and she has to get chemotherapy daily for the next few weeks. Your children have baseball practice or games at least three times a week. Your parents should not be driving, and especially not after a medical treatment. Yikes! What are you going to do?

Organization is the key to success in this situation. There are many possible solutions, if even on a temporary or part-time basis. Most communities run a Dial-a-Ride-type program that offers door-to-door transportation within your community to medical facilities, shopping, and senior centers. Your local senior center or area on aging agency will have information on transportation services. Sometimes the transportation can be set up in advance and other times it has to be done on a per-ride situation. The cost is about $1–$3 each way, and the van may be picking up several riders at a time. Call early to ensure you get to the appointment on time.

Medical transportation services can be arranged for those who need a wheelchair or assistance getting into and out of a specific medical office or treatment center. Most treatment centers can provide you with a list of all possible sources of transportation.

Dialysis centers often have their own transportation issues covered either through volunteers or specific arrangements with systems such as Dial-a-Ride. Dialysis centers have medical social workers on staff to assist patients and families with issues surrounding dialysis. Ask to speak with the social worker and get referrals for community resources to assist you. Taxis and bus services should be considered, as well as hiring a private driver. A neighbor, friend, or even a local college student may be willing to take on the responsibility for a set fee. Your local senior center may also have a list of volunteers willing to help with transportation or those willing to drive for nominal fees.