Rides to medical appointment and procedures.

[kennardcd]

I am having surgery on my eye in two weeks and the facility performing the procedure requires that I have a ride to the surgical center and further requires that the ride wait in the facility.  I have encountered this problem with other procedures and appointments - a colonoscopy and cancer treatment.  I live by myself, I have no family in the area, and the few friends that I am comfortable asking for help work. There is no one available to take me to the appointment.  With the Boomer generation aging and needing medical treatment, I feel that this is a growing problem that needs to be addressed.  Insurance is not the problem.  The problem is getting to and from medical appointments and procedures safely and in accordance with the policies of treating facilities. If the medical treatment is covered, but I can't get to the appointment or procedure, I believe that I am effectively being denied access to medical care.  Is there any service in Albuquerque that can fill the need for safe and reliable transportation to and from appointments as well as to, from, and during medical procedures? 

[AARPJanelleM]

@kennardcd Eldercare Locator is a free service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging that connects you to local services for older adults and their families. You can contact Eldercare Locator for assistance with transportation referrals online here: eldercare.acl.gov (site owned and operated by the Administration on Aging, an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living) They can also be reached via phone toll free: 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET

Also, the AARP Foundation Local Assistance Directory is an easy-to-use, online tool that helps you find programs and assistance in your community.