Medi-Van Transportation to Doctor Appts

You really need to accept that your friends aren't going to help you. I know what it's like, believe me. Either hire someone, or don't go to the appointment.

If you need a credit card for transportation and don't have one, buy one of these at a local store. There will be a fee for purchasing the card (about $5).
high-dollar-visa-gift-card-for-holiday-tipping.jpg

visa-kiosk-1.jpg
 

debodun said:
Well, the hospital said not to bring anything valuable with me like debit or credit cards, jewelry or money. So how would I pay even if I had a card?
Click to expand...
You can still bring those things. Hide it some place. Even if you get in a gown. Put it in a pocket of the clothes you wear. Wrap it in a piece of fabric and pin it to the inside of your pant's waist. Chances are it will be fine. You have to think through these things yourself. I know it's hard when you don't have people to help and I'm sorry all those church people have no interest. You should always have a major credit card. If it gets stolen, the card company will shut it down immediately and you will be OK.
 
debodun said:
I get the impression that people offering advice haven't read the restrictions imposed by the hospital - "must be a relative or close friend."

I've posted to all my FB friends, the people on the church's mail list and no one has replied except the pastor who said "Uber".
Click to expand...
I went through the same thing and it's discriminatory against single people. It's not about you, it's to protect them. Can you hire a nursing assistant through a local home health agency? Advertise on Craig's list. Pay someone to take you and pick you up. I had to scramble to find someone with my cataract surgery also. That's not ideal but an option. You never have to let them in your home. Have them pick you up and drop you off outside.
 

debodun said:
Everyone I asked is either sick or said, "Good luck finding a ride." It's amazing how so called" friends" suddenly melt away when you really need a favor.
Click to expand...
You're asking very big favors deb. Hire someone. As for the chauffeur I suggested, if the one driver will be with you, hold your clothes, take you home, no one will object to that and you know it. What will they do? Refuse services, sue you?

Open your wallet and people will come running.
 
Anyone can ID themselves as a close friend. I don't know how you will react to the medications they gave you. I was fine, but we are all different. Keep thinking of someone you can call. And make those calls. Don't be embarrassed to ask. I think your church people are not being too helpful. Ask if they know someone.
 
I called the county office for the aging and asked for the person in charge of medical transportation. I was told "She 's at lunch. I'll have her call you when she gets back." That was a 2 pm (still out to lunch at 2 pm?). It's going for 3:30pm now and she hasn't called back.
 
Okay, I called the County Office for the Aging and was informed that they do not service my community and to call the local medivan...ggrrrrrr! Okay, out of desperation I did and when I dialed the extension, the line goes dead - three times.
 
debodun said:
Okay, I called the County Office for the Aging and was informed that they do not service my community and to call the local medivan...ggrrrrrr! Okay, out of desperation I did and when I dialed the extension, the line goes dead - three times.
Click to expand...
Goodness @debodun, I do feel sorry for you, I would have expected that this situation often arises, it's not unusual for people to not have help and/or access to transport. @NorthernLight made what seems a good suggestion in her post above.
 
debodun said:
Remember, I live in the boondocks of upstate New York. There isn't a helluva lot of services available here.

Anyway, I just called the doctor's office and asked them to reschedule the procedure. Now it will be on November 1st. Hopefully someone will recover from their illness by then.
Click to expand...
Deb I'm really sorry. It does give you more time. And I hope that relieves some stress. But you do need your surgery done.

But I will ask, did you try a home health agency. Anything in your area? Now offer money to these 'nice' people at your church. Even a couple hundred dollars. I have a feeling they may feel so much more helpful with that. Don't expect anyone to do this out of their own goodness. They may not have it.

I don't want to seem cold. I'm on my own too. I know what it's like. And it can be scary.
 
debodun said:
Only one and that's in Albany - about 30 miles away and they don't provide transportation, only in-home care.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry. Looks like your best hope is one of those church people or someone that someone else knows. And pay them for their time and gas.

Again sorry you had to extend your surgery but you have time now to arrange something.
 
debodun said:
I emailed the 3 people that volunteered transportation and said that my surgery was moved to November 1st. One responded that she would be available.

BTW - some people mentioned that I should offer money. I do - I say I will pay for their time, gas and take then out to eat when I am recovered.
Click to expand...
Good luck, Deb. When you give them the money, etc. don't take no for an answer. Leave it in their car in an envelope if you have to.

You can't force anyone into a restaurant but I, on the other hand, would go willingly. :)
 
debodun said:
BTW - some people mentioned that I should offer money. I do - I say I will pay for their time, gas and take then out to eat when I am recovered.
Click to expand...
RadishRose said:
When you give them the money, etc. don't take no for an answer. Leave it in their car in an envelope if you have to.

You can't force anyone into a restaurant but I, on the other hand, would go willingly. :)
Click to expand...
Forget taking them to lunch later on, before you leave them for the sugery, hand your driver $30 (if it's two people, then $60) with the instructions to enjoy a nice lunch and snack during the six hours you'll be in surgery and recovery. When you arrive home, press an sealed envelope with $150 in it along with a thank you card and personal thanks for the extraordinary kindness they showed you.

Agree with Rose, don't take no for an answer. How do you do this? You say, "I absolutely insist. You've done me a huge favor. It would have cost me far more than this to arrange taxis and a care-giver. I couldn't live with myself if you didn't take it."
 
RadishRose said:
Good luck, Deb. When you give them the money, etc. don't take no for an answer. Leave it in their car in an envelope if you have to.

You can't force anyone into a restaurant but I, on the other hand, would go willingly. :)
Click to expand...
That's what I did, the former co-worker who took me for cataract surgery insisted she didn't want any more. I put the money on her dash and jumped out of the car.
 
debodun said:
I emailed the 3 people that volunteered transportation and said that my surgery was moved to November 1st. One responded that she would be available.

BTW - some people mentioned that I should offer money. I do - I say I will pay for their time, gas and take then out to eat when I am recovered.
Click to expand...
I hope no one flakes on you and you get a reliable person to take you.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top