Most people don’t realize that they need a ride home from a colonoscopy (or other procedure), until they’re in that situation. This is not a ride where you can just call a cab either. This is a ride with an escort. An escorted ride home is needed anytime you’ve undergone sedation, including for cataract surgery and some cosmetic procedures.
You might assume that as long as you’re not driving, there wouldn’t be an issue. But doctors’ offices typically require someone to actually come in to the office to pick you up, for them to “release” you.
Not only can it feel like a frustrating limitation to your independence, but then there is the question of who can fill this role. Who to turn to in this situation stumps many people.
Even if you are lucky enough to have family or close friends nearby, some don’t drive or they work or it may feel like an imposition to ask. However, there are some easy solutions to get home from a colonoscopy or other procedure.
Hire an Aide Through an Agency
One option for getting a ride home is to hire an aide through a home health agency. You can find highly rated home health agencies on the Better Business Bureau website or by doing a quick internet search.
The aide will typically either accompany you in a taxi, Uber or Lyft or they will drive you in their car. If you will be driving with the aide, it’s probably a good idea to double check with the home health agency that they have updated background check on the aide’s driving history and car safety.
When you hire an aide through an agency, typically they require a minimum number of hours. This varies by agency, but the minimum number of hours is usually between 2-4 hours.
You might be thinking that you just need a ride home and having to pay for the “extra” time is a waste of money.
However, you may be surprised how helpful it can be to have someone there to get things situated for you back at home following a procedure. After getting you home, an aide can make you a meal, pick up a prescription or even help you start a load of laundry.
Read more about hiring in-home care.
Hire an Individual Caregiver
Another option for getting a ride home following a procedure is to hire an individual caregiver. This may be someone who works privately as a caregiver or a student earning extra money on the side.
You can find individual caregivers through online sites like Sittercity.com or Care.com. You could also ask a neighbor or friend if they have recommendations for someone who can fill this role.
Hiring an individual is typically more cost effective than going through an agency. The hourly rate is likely to be less than with an agency. Plus, individual caregivers usually don’t require a minimum number of hours, the way an agency does.
The tradeoff with hiring an individual caregiver instead of going through an agency is that you will probably have to do the legwork. The responsibility of calling references and/or asking if the individual can provide you with a background check will fall on you versus the agency. Before hiring an individual caregiver, it’s recommended that you call at least a couple of references.
Request Assistance from a Village Volunteer
Another option for getting a ride home from a procedure is to contact your local senior village.
If you are not familiar with senior villages, they are basically a network of volunteers in specific neighborhoods that help seniors remain independent in their homes. One of the tasks senior villages often assist with is providing transportation to their members needing rides to the doctor.
If you do schedule a ride through your local Village, be sure to schedule your ride with as much advance notice as possible; many Villages require a week or two notice.
Read more about senior villages.
As you see there are plenty of options for your to get home following a colonoscopy or other procedure. Whether you hire an aide through a home health agency, an individual caregiver or get the assistance of a Village volunteer, you don’t have to fret that there’s no one to pick you up.
