Life is busy, especially when you are a caregiver. Driving your loved one to appointments and pharmacy visits can put even more stress on your schedule. Emily Vassar, a Blue Cross Medicare Advantage social worker, says transportation concerns are common among caregivers. Part of Vassar’s work is connecting caregivers with assistance, and there are several easy to access resources you can use to ensure your loved one is taken places safely.
Metro Mobility
A popular form of transportation in the Twin Cities area, Metro Mobility provides bus rides for medical visits. Drivers are trained to transport people of all abilities, and Vassar says that services are easy to use and inexpensive compared to other transportation providers. To learn more about Metro Mobility visit metrocouncil.org/ Transportation/Services/Metro-Mobility-Home.aspx.
GoGoGrandparent
A ride service that operates like an Uber or Lyft, Vassar says that while GoGoGrandparent can be more expensive if you live in a rural area, but rides are convenient and can bring your loved one takeout meals, to the grocery store and to doctor or pharmacy appointments. To schedule a ride, call 1-855-464-6872 ext 21843.
BlueRide
Through your healthcare plan, you may have access to free rides to the dentist, medical and pharmacy visits through BlueRide. To see if you are eligible for BlueRide services and to schedule a ride, call 1-866-340-8648 (TTY 711).
Check local resources
If you live in a rural area or don’t have access to these ride services, the city or county you live in may offer ride assistance. You can start by visiting dot.state.mn.us/transit/riders/ or by contacting the county you live in. Ultimately, Vassar says when you are looking for transportation help for a loved one, your family and community are your most important resource.
“Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family and rely on them,” Vassar says. “Everyone is running around with a million things to do, but people are willing to help out with transportation.”