One of the nice things about hiring a home health aide when you're elderly is that the help this professional provides doesn't just take place inside the walls of your home. While your home health aide may help you at home in a variety of ways, he or she can also take you out into the community for medical appointments and even to help you run errands. If you don't drive and will be traveling as a passenger in the health aide's vehicle, it's important to confirm several details about it before you arrange help from the in-home care agency. Here are some vehicular details to go over:

Trunk Storage

If you have devices that you'll need to store in the trunk of the vehicle and use when you get to your destination, it's important to discuss the vehicle's storage capabilities with the in-home care agency. For example, if you have a wheelchair, walker, or other large and bulky medical device, this may not fit into the trunk of a smaller vehicle, even if you're able to fold the device down. You should always let the agency know what bulky items you'll need with you when you leave the house so that the proper vehicle can be chosen.

Leg Room

Another valuable factor to consider in the home health aide's vehicle is the amount of leg room it has. If you're above-average height, for example, you won't likely want to ride around town in a compact-sized car. Height isn't the only factor that affects how much leg room you want. If you have sore legs or something such as restless leg syndrome that compels you to want to move and stretch your legs during long periods of sitting, you need to ensure that the vehicle you'll be riding in can suit your needs.

Ease Of Access

Some vehicles are easier to get into than others. Generally, you'll find that home health aides won't have large vehicles that are difficult to step into. However, you should ensure that the vehicle isn't too small if you have mobility challenges. Some elderly people with sore backs or knees, for example, can find that it's difficult to get into a small car — and equally difficult to climb out of a small car upon reaching the destination. By taking a few minutes to discuss these factors with your in-home care agency, you'll ensure that the health aide who arrives at your home has a suitable vehicle for you.

Contact your local elderly care services for more information and assistance. 

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