For people who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments,help is on the way. 
 
The new Door Thru Door transportation program provides trained aides to accompany adults to non-urgent medical appointments within 10 miles of their home.  Eligible individuals must be age 18 and older and require assistance due to physical or cognitive limitations.

According to the Department of Human Services, Office of Aging and Adult Services, aides can help individuals get ready for the appointment, ride with them to and from the appointment, stay with them during the appointment and assist individuals in getting settled back at home.  Aides can also carry pertinent medical information back to family caregivers or community service providers.

Individuals are responsible for scheduling transportation using existing programs such as DOT, Senior Taxi or Metro Access, as well as paying the cost of transportation for themselves and the aide.  The cost of assistance provided by the aide is based on income, with a maximum cost of $30 per appointment. Access to this service will not be denied due to inability to contribute to cost.

Reservations for this program are now being accepted; the service began on February 4.  To schedule an aide, or to get more information, call Home Care Partners at 202.638.0736.  For information on transportation options, call the Office of Aging and Adult Services at 703.838.0920.

Door Thru Door was made possible by funding from a New Freedom Grant through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.  This program is in partnership with Arlington County and Home Care Partners, a nonprofit in-home service provider.