Escort services for outpatient visits and outdoor activities are part of on-site health services. A well-trained caregiver visits the client’s home or designated location, accompanies the client on outdoor excursions or medical appointments, and takes care of the client’s needs during the trip.
A caregiver’s primary role is to lift and transport physically disabled patients, assist the client in dressing before medical examinations, communicate with medical staff, and monitor the client’s physical condition along the way. After the service, the caregiver should relay medical instructions and explain the situation to the client’s caregivers for their ongoing routine follow-up care.
Most service users seeking escort services have difficulties with their physical disability, medical condition, or mental health, and this often requires assistance to support or maintain their routine life.
Medical escort services are a common service for patients with chronic diseases, especially the elderly. Aging leads to a gradual decline in bodily functions. Apart from the typical diseases or disabilities, dementia is now common and affects their daily life and even communication skills. Therefore, caregivers of patients play an important role.
Many users live in their own homes or nursing homes, where they must travel between homes and hospitals for medical appointments. Their caregivers may not be able to accompany them during the day, and nursing homes cannot provide additional labor for this purpose. Some users live at home with their aides, but sometimes find this to be a communication barrier when they cannot fully relay messages from physicians and health care professionals.
In this decade, a different type of audience is often seen. Advances in medical technology are extending our life expectancy. Client caregivers may be 60-70 years old, but still caring for their parents who are 80 and over. They may not be physically able to lift and transport the parent when going out or using a wheelchair.
People have the misconception that anyone who knows how to use a wheelchair has an easy position to be a caregiver as an outpatient visitor. In fact, caregivers take on an important responsibility when they go out with patients. In any emergency, they may not be fully equipped with medical equipment or monitoring tools, except in hospitals or medical services. They must use their expertise to assess the client’s situation and take immediate action to make the best decision for their clients.