April 2018 - Flying Angels

Air Ambulance Alternative For Aging Parents

by Flying Angels Editorial Team | Apr 27, 2018 | News & Resources

Air travel is useful in many situations and one that is increasingly in demand. An Air Ambulance Alternative for aging parents helps get them to their destination safely.

If you have an older parent who is beginning to struggle with mobility, you’re part of a growing demographic in the United States. As of the 2020 Census, about 1 in 6 people, or 16.8% of the U.S. population, were 65 and over, highlighting the significant aging of the population. This increase is driven by the aging baby boomers, with projections suggesting a continued rise in the senior population.

What Is An Air Ambulance Alternative?

More and more children face issues on how to provide assistance to their aging parents. Many parents are still able to take care of their day-to-day lives in their homes. But commercial airline transportation increasingly becomes an issue for aging parents.

For those faced with this issue, it’s comforting to have a service available that provides professionals who have expertise in transportation arrangements and providing medical services.

Here are some of the areas that an air ambulance alternative company such as Flying Angels can support families who requires assistance for aging parents.

Medical Appointments

Many Americans miss medical appointments simply because they do not have the ability to get to the doctor’s office. An NEMT company can handle that task. Flying Angels especially focuses on the arrangements needed for air travel to reach long distance appointments.

Moving Parents

This is one of the most common issues faced by the children of aging parents. Older individuals often develop conditions such as dementia or physical disabilities that require transportation to appointments. Facing that situation, children will often decide to move their parents closer to where they live.

That is a wise move, but it requires complex medical transport plans. It also goes smoother with qualified medical personnel involved. Flying Angels handles all the travel arrangements and provides an experienced flight nurse for the trip. They manage all the medical needs during a trip and ensures they arrive safely at their destination.

Vacations

In some cases, family gatherings happen far from where the aging parents live. Air Ambulance Alternative services can get them to their destination both on time and safely. With Flying Angels, services also are provided to Hawaii and internationally. Parents don’t need to miss out on family vacations and with the proper planning, this service can prove invaluable.

Getting Back Home

This actually applies to people of all ages. But it can provide special comfort to those with parents who are still able to travel. Flying Angels, with contacts around the world, has the ability to get people back to the United States if they are injured or have a medical emergency while traveling.

Understanding the Scope of Services

When considering an Air Ambulance Alternative for your aging parents, it’s essential to understand the full scope of services provided. This service is not just about transportation; it’s about ensuring a safe, comfortable, and medically supervised journey for your loved ones. Whether it’s a trip for a special family occasion or a necessary medical appointment, the service tailors its approach to meet the specific needs of the elderly.

The Importance of Advanced Planning

Advanced planning plays a critical role in utilizing an Air Ambulance Alternative service effectively. By coordinating with the service provider ahead of time, you can ensure that all medical and logistical needs are meticulously mapped out. This planning includes detailing the medical history and requirements of the senior, their mobility limitations, and any special accommodations they might need during the journey. Such proactive planning not only ensures a smoother experience but also provides peace of mind for the family and the individual.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Transportation

The service extends beyond mere transportation; it offers comprehensive support throughout the journey. This includes pre-flight health assessments, in-flight medical care, and assistance with all aspects of the travel process, including luggage handling, boarding, and post-flight transitions. The aim is to provide a seamless experience that caters to the medical and personal needs of the senior, ensuring they feel supported, secure, and comfortable every step of the way.

If you’re considering travel options for yourself or your loved one, Flying Angels offers a compassionate and professional solution. Contact Flying Angels today to discuss your needs with a flight coordinator and learn how they can assist in providing a safe, comfortable journey.

Uber and Lyft Are Now Offering Medical Transport Services

by Flying Angels Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2018 | News & Resources

The two biggest rideshare companies have started this year to move into medical transport services.

However, those looking for an alternative need to know the differences between getting a ride from Uber and Lyft and hiring a NEMT service such as Flying Angels.

Comparing Medical Transport Services

Medical travel is a big industry and a very important one. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, about 3.6 million residents in the United States miss healthcare appointments because they do not have reliable transportation.

This can lead to increased emergency room visits, higher healthcare bills, readmission to hospitals and, eventually, higher costs across the medical insurance industry. NEMT companies such as Flying Angels have emerged as safe, reliable transportation for those who need to travel for medical visits.

Issues With Rideshare Medical Transport

There are several issues facing companies such as Uber and Lyft attempting to move into the medical transport services business.

As pointed out by The Verge, they include:

Data security. The data of patients getting picked up and dropped off could be at risk, even though the technology being used is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Although it didn’t involve medical transport, Uber already has been hacked and the information on 57 million riders and drivers was exposed.
Wheelchair accessibility. As pointed out by The Verge, Uber “doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to wheelchair accessibility.” The company already has been sued by disability advocates and accused of denying equal access to rides for the disabled in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Medical personal. Many patients need drivers who have some type of medical certification, which is something that neither ridesharing company is yet offering, according to comments from a NEMT company official in USA Today.

Flying Angels Difference

While the medical transportation market might be an opportunity for the ridesharing companies, existing services offer far more to clients.

Flying Angels, for example, handles all the booking of transportation. They also handle more than just ground transport. They can provide Non-Emergency Medical Transport by commercial airline to both international and domestic destinations including Hawaii.

Perhaps most importantly, every patient travels with a flight nurse. These nurses have years of experience working in emergency rooms. They are certified to provide medical aid while flying. They bring equipment and medication for patients. They work with airlines and medical facilities to ensure trips go as smoothly as possible.

The differences between an experienced company such as Flying Angels and the rideshare services are vast. As pointed out by an NEMT official to USA Today, “I’m not sure new entrants into this market can do what we do.”