Follow
Share

I'm getting an outpatient medical test early in the morning on 8/27/26, and I need someone to escort me back home. If necessary, I can get there alone, but the office insist I have someone there with me to get back. This is in the Chicago South Shore neighborhood. Where can I find such a service. Thank you.

Find Care & Housing
Contact a local church. Many have Elder Care ministries and they may be able to find a volunteer to escort you. You don't have to be a member or even a believer. My church does this all the time when someone is in a bind.

Or, you can go to Care.com and see if you can hire an aid/companion/driver for the hours you need. At least they are vetted and have liability insurance, etc.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

Ideas:
We cannot personally drive you, but can offer ideas from our own experiences.

Anyone, over 18 can meet you there. Waiting with you to recover in your own time, then you drive yourself home, if safe.

I am writing to prepare you for the unreasonable expenses if a friend/neighbor cannot take you.

It will be expensive. A private person drives in my area, will take a client to/from the doctor's for eye surgery. $60.00. Person may be hard to find, but some advertise their company.

No sense in trying to save money driving yourself there because what will you do with your car on the return trip?

Many insurance companies have a transportation benefit, like Medicare Advantage. They may send a large Van or Bus to pick you up. Usually late, you wait outside, may be required to share with other clients going other places, which make you even later to your appointment. Not ideal if you are needing the comfort of a private ride to go home directly; and you may not be feeling your best.

Suggest taking a taxi both ways. Or, use Uber, risk your safety.

The other option is to pay caregiver's fees from a professional agency that day,
minimum 4 hrs. I think.

Look up Limo drivers. Pay their fees.

Call your nearest Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging, often housed in the Senior Center. Maybe a caseworker can help you.

If your test is optional, like a routine colonoscopy, skip it until you can find someone.

Please don't shoot the messenger. I could not drive myself to an urgent appointment today. It's not because I could not drive there. It is not that I couldn't go alone. I do not allow myself to drive on days I am this upset, due to panic anxiety attacks.

Hopeful that you can get your needs met.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Sendhelp
Report

Most hospital and out patient places want you to have someone you know. They will not even allow a Ride Share.
Try your local Senior Center they may have Volunteers that will drive you there and remain there and take you home. BUT if you have any anesthesia the hospital or outpatient facility will want someone there with you for the next 12 maybe 24 hours. (at least that is what they may tell you...they don't know what you do when you leave)
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report

I made friends with my wheelchair taxi driver we used for 10 years..
he would take me in his private care and pick me up so no questions were asked.. it worked.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to MAYDAY
Report

In my area there are a couple of people on Nextdoor who accompany people to doctor or hospital appointments, driving, taking notes, picking up prescriptions, getting them home safely, and informing family if appropriate. You might join your local Nextdoor and see if there are people that offer this in your area. Additionally, if you attend a church or senior group, there may be someone there who can help. Hope your test goes well
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

Since this forum reaches people all across America and internationally the chances of you finding help here are very slim. Have you asked whether your medical team have any suggestions? Can you pay for a friend or neighbour to help? If you absolutely can't find anyone you may have to pay for someone from a medical escort provider, there is sure to be one in Chicago.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to cwillie
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter