Getting a Senior to Medical Appointments in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

If your mom or dad can't drive to the doctor anymore, you're not out of options. Between their health plan, county resources, and private ride services, most families can find a way to get a parent to appointments. Here's where to start in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and how to tell which option fits.

Eye-level view of a wheelchair-accessible van parked outside a healthcare facility

Start with their health plan

If your parent has Medi-Cal or another health plan, call the member services number on the back of their insurance card and ask what help is available for getting to appointments. Plans set their own rules, so ask how far ahead to call, which appointments qualify, and what kind of vehicle they can send.

Ask the county what's available nearby

Both counties have an office for older adults that can tell you about local transportation help and who it's meant for.

• San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services: 909-891-3900

• Riverside County Office on Aging: 800-510-2020

Tell them your parent's city, whether they use a wheelchair or walker, and how often they need rides. That will get you to the right answer faster.

When a private ride makes sense

Public and plan-based options often work best for planned, routine trips. A private service may be a better fit when:

• the appointment is in a few days and the booking window has passed

• your parent is leaving the hospital and needs a ride home

• they need help from the door of the house to the door of the clinic, not just curb to curb

• the doctor or facility is outside the area another option covers

• you want a standing pickup time for weekly dialysis rides

That's where a private non-emergency medical transportation company like ours comes in. Cali Care Transportation is based in Yucaipa and drives seniors to appointments across San Bernardino and Riverside counties in wheelchair-accessible vans. We speak English and Spanish.

Questions to ask any ride service

Whichever option you choose, a few questions up front will save you a stressful morning:

1. Will the driver help my parent from the front door to the check-in desk?

2. Can the vehicle carry their wheelchair or walker, and will it be secured?

3. How early should we expect pickup, and will someone call if the driver is running late?

4. What does the ride cost, and is there a charge for waiting during the appointment?

Talk it through with us

If you're trying to figure out the best way to get your parent to their appointments, call or text us at (909) 714-4262. If another option sounds like a better fit, we'll say so.

This article is general information, not medical or insurance advice. Rules and services change, so confirm details directly before you book.