Mobility is a crucial factor in an older person’s life. On a physical level, seniors may have difficulties walking due to health conditions such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, elderly people may no longer be able to drive because of low vision or just discomfort with being on the road.

That’s why mobility supports can make a huge difference. Help such as stairlifts, wheelchairs and modified vehicles can allow a senior to continue enjoying some independence and keep their social connections strong.

But what happens when an older person needs hospital treatment, and can’t get there?

In that situation, there are also supports available – known as patient transport or hospital transport. In this post, we’ll discuss options for patient transport and how to obtain this support if you need it.

Why might an older person need patient transport?

Sometimes, an older person might need help with transport to or from a hospital appointment or treatment if the hospital is far from their home, they don’t have a car and public transport is not available to make the trip in a reasonable length of time.

However, a senior might also need specialised patient transport that involves special vehicles such as ambulances or includes medical support during the journey. For example, older people going for bariatric treatment may need a modified vehicle. Or an older person might simply be unable to take public transport for health reasons, like if their immune system is not able to fight off the germs they would encounter on a train or bus.

Additionally, an elderly person might need transport from the hospital to their home after they are discharged.

Transport when it’s not an emergency

The most important type of hospital transport we’ll discuss here is non-emergency patient transport services, also known as NEPTS or just PTS.

The NHS guidance on patient transport emphasises that most people who need to go to hospital when it’s not an emergency will need to find their own transportation. However, some people are eligible for free transport.

Who is eligible?

The NHS NEPTS eligibility criteria are quite detailed. In part, they list six main factors that might make an older person entitled to free transport to or from hospital. These factors are:

“They have a medical need for transport.” For example, they might need medical professionals to care for them during their journey.
“They have a cognitive or sensory impairment” that means they can’t use other kinds of transport.
“They have a significant mobility need” that means they can’t use other kinds of transport.
They are going to or from kidney dialysis.
There are safeguarding concerns involved.
Because of a medical or mobility need, they have already experienced delays in getting treatment or leaving hospital.

How do you get non-emergency patient transport?

If you think you or an older relative you care for might be eligible for NEPTS, you can ask your GP or the medical professional who is involved in your hospital treatment.

Transport when it is an emergency

Any discussion of patient transport needs to cover what happens to get a person to the hospital in an emergency. Simply, the answer is to call 999 to get an ambulance.

Financial help with patient transport costs

An older person who doesn’t qualify for non-emergency patient transport services might be able to get financial help with transport to and from hospital through the Healthcare Travel Costs scheme.

Again, eligibility is somewhat complex, so it’s best to check the full details. Generally, people are eligible for this help if they are referred for specialist treatment on the NHS and receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Guarantee Credit.

Another place to start getting help with healthcare travel costs is the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme is notable because people who are not eligible for a means-tested benefit might be eligible for it.

Local help with patient transport

Another option that shouldn’t be forgotten are local services specific to your county or area. There may be volunteer services or schemes that will take older people to and from hospital for free or at a lower cost.

The Royal Voluntary Service offers patient transport to and from appointments in some areas. Enter your postal code in the search bar to see what help is available near you.

Dial-a-Ride may be available in some areas, such as London. It offers free transport to people with long-term disabilities – and people aged 85 and over automatically qualify.

It is worth mentioning that St John Ambulance does provide some patient transfer services, including bariatric and end-of-life services. However, their general non-emergency patient transport services are not currently available as vehicles have been dedicated to NHS services.

Keeping seniors safe at home and away with SureSafe

When an older person has medical conditions requiring hospital treatment, their health might be a little more fragile overall. For example, it’s well known among carers of the elderly that medication side effects can cause potentially serious problems like fainting.

That’s why a personal alarm for the elderly is such an important tool for seniors. It protects them in the case of emergencies like heart attacks by letting them call for help immediately and simply. For example, a SureSafe alarm with a one-touch emergency button lets a senior call for help by pressing a single button. That can make all the difference if an older person is suffering a health crisis and a phone isn’t close by.

Similarly, an alarm with fall detection helps seniors with dizziness or difficulties with mobility, too. If the elderly person wearing the alarm falls for any reason, the alarm senses the fall and calls for help all on its own.

With 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, it’s no wonder SureSafe is a leading provider of personal alarms like these in the UK. Its alarms feature a range of functionalities, from a step counter to a speaking clock and more. Curious to know which alarm would best suit you? Our expert team is here to help on 0808 189 1671. Alternatively, contact us through live chat, or request a call back.