Medical Access
 Access
to consistent medical care is essential for seniors
to maintain their health and independence. The Medical
Access program is a volunteer based service that provides
non-emergency, accompanied transportation to essential
appointments for seniors in Washtenaw County. This service
is aimed at meeting the needs of frail seniors that
are unable to utilize public transportation and have
limited family/social support.
Types of Service
Accompanied Transportation
Due to frailties, anxiety, and declining health, some seniors require accompaniment to follow through with medical appointments. The degree of accompaniment can vary from simply escorting a client to the reception area and waiting in the lobby to acting as a second set of eyes and ears during an appointment. Door-to-Door Service
Some clients with fewer needs may only require transportation. Depending on the length of the appointment, the staff/volunteer may be able to drop off the client and pick them up following the appointment. Limited Physical Assistance
Staff/volunteers are available to assist older adults who utilize adaptive equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and portable oxygen tanks. However, the Medical Access program requires that all clients are able to transfer independently in and out of a vehicle. Staff /volunteers cannot lift clients under any circumstances. Prescriptions
Time permitting; volunteers may be available to stop at local pharmacies following a medical appointment. Prior arrangements should be made with the Medical Access Scheduler for individual prescription delivery.
Eligibility
A Resource Advocate will assess a client's eligibility based on the following guidelines. An in-home assessment is required prior to utilizing the service.
- Sixty and older
- Resident of Washtenaw County
- Unable to utilize public transportation or has limited transportation options
- Ability to transfer independently in and out of a vehicle
- Incontinence that is well managed
- Requires or benefits from one-on-one accompaniment
- Other eligibility factors assessed on a case-by-case basis
Program Policies
The program has a part-time staff driver and a team of trained and monitored volunteer drivers. While we will do our best to meet your needs, we need client coordination with the following policies:
- Rides must be requested at least 2 weeks before the appointment date.
- Rides are available Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00am - 3: 30pm only.
- Due to the volume of service, clients can only request one ride per week.
- Unfortunately, rides are never 100% guaranteed, as we are primarily a volunteer-based service.
- In the event that we do not have a driver available, the client will be promptly notified so alternative appointment or transportation arrangements can be made.
- Staff/Volunteers may accept client cost-share contributions. Clients are also welcome to send cost-share contributions directly to NSS.
 Click here for General Commonly Asked Questions
 Every ride makes a difference! Find out how you can help improve the health and well being of your senior neighbors as a Medical Access Volunteer!
top
of page 
|
