My husband is virtually bed-bound after a stroke from 2018. With a walker (and tremendous effort), he can walk about 40 feet. His PCP has been continuing his prescriptions for ongoing conditions (diabetes II, Afib) since he last made it to the doctor in March 2019, with the understanding that "when the weather gets warm again," DH will come in for an office appointment. I am trying to figure out how to make that happen.
There are three shallowish steps from front door to ground and one shallow step inside. (Back door is higher from ground.) I'd been thinking I could get a ramp installed (tricky because of how the house is aligned, but where there's a will...) but don't know how to get him from a wheelchair to car seat.
He has visions of someone coming in the house, putting him on a gurney, taking him out and transporting him in an ambulance, then doing the reverse to bring him home. I don't think such services are available on a non-emergency basis, at least not in the remote rural area where we live. Medical transport seems to involve a nice young person walking the client to a car.
Maybe I'm borrowing trouble, but I'm trying to think ahead so I can take steps in advance to make this possible. Any practical suggestions would be appreciated.
So grateful for this forum!
A couple of stairs aren't really a problem if he's in a wheelchair. I navigate stairs to get grandma and mom in and out of the house in a wheelchair. It does require a bit of strength so the transport person might have to do it. Some will charge more for that, others won't. The guy we used rolled grandma all the way back into the house even though I told him I can take it from the sidewalk.
Also, as someone else mentioned, there are doctors that do housecalls. Unfortunately they can be pricey. In my area it's gone from $100 a visit to $160 in the last couple of months. But depending on how much transport costs in your area, that maybe cost effective.
Edith, first issue: getting out of the house. Does your husband have a wheelchair that could get him to the door more easily? If not, what about a rollator? It's more stable and safe than a walker. And there's a seat for someone to sit on if fatigue becomes an issue.
Rollators: https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/rollators/ID=361789-tier3
Second, since you're in Michigan, you're subject to our variable and sometimes challenging winters, so I would think about a ramp that's a permanent one, if you have the funds (there may be some help for that, but that's a different topic). If your home has an attached garage, that's perfect!
When my sister's cancer prevented her from safely walking on her own, my father added rails/bars to each side of a shallow stair from the house into the garage. (He would have added a ramp if necessary, but it would take more time to make one.
One parking space was lost to acclimate that, but she could get down the stairs (or in your case a ramp) and be close enough to walk (with help) into the car. If you do consider a ramp, make sure it conforms to city/township guidelines for the slope calculation.
Third, the local EMS service in my father's area made emergency and non-emergency runs. I believe there's a criteria that determines the difference, such as imminent medical danger, or something like that, but it's worth a try. And ask if they have any recommendations if that's not a service your local EMS can provide.
Some ambulance services have a separate service for non emergencies, in wheelchair equipped vans. I took one after my first cataract surgery when I couldn't see well enough to safely drive, and had no other way to get to the surgery practice the following day. The van was wheelchair equipped.
There are many private vans in my area providing similar service, at about the same cost, so I opted for one with credibility in the EMS area as opposed to one operated by individuals about whom I know nothing.
The cost was if I remember correctly $40 each way, plus $3.50/mile. Yes, it's expensive, and would I think be a medical deduction if it met the current IRS monetary threshold.
Fourth, is there any senior center in Grayling that might be equipped with a van accommodated for wheelchairs? In my father's area, the senior center now has 2 vans (it's a very, very well run center), and if I recall does provide some medical appointment transportation.
Thanks --
They have seen it all, in short, and they will have the answer; and if they can't do it they will know who can.
I went to see a recent amputee client recently - his house wouldn't be "remote" in your sense because I live in a very small country, but it was still jolly hard to get to. Up a stony, steep, pot-holed track I toiled, in my tiny little automatic transmission hatchback, along an overgrown wooded lane, and then realised that I was on a sort of home-made cinder causeway with flooded creeks running either side of me. The sweat broke out on my forehead (and I dare say the car's forehead, too). There was a minute turning place in front of the man's house, mined with hidden bits of concrete and ironware. We made it - here I am to tell the tale after all - but quite how the ambulance crew managed I'm at a loss to think.
So - I honestly think you will find that your husband is no problem at all, once you ring and explain what the requirements are.
Two years ago, I did some research and found Visiting Physicians. They come to our home to treat him. This might be something that would work for you. .