Appointment days carry real fall risk for older adults — from the front door to the exam room and back home. Here are seven practical, CDC- and NIA-backed steps that make medical transportation safer for seniors throughout Suffolk, Hampton Roads and Williamsburg.
More than 1 in 4 adults 65 and older fall each year, and appointment days raise the risk with unfamiliar steps, curbs and exam-room transfers. Build in extra time, wear supportive non-slip shoes, use a cane or walker consistently, and bring a caregiver when possible. Coastal Care Transport provides scheduled, door-to-door private-pay ambulatory transportation throughout Suffolk, Smithfield, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News to help take the rush — and the risk — out of getting to care.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and medical appointment days are a common trigger: unfamiliar entrances, time pressure, fumbling with mobility aids while getting in or out of a vehicle, or standing too quickly after sitting in a waiting room. None of that is inevitable. With a little preparation, the trip to and from care can be one of the safer parts of the day rather than one of the riskier ones.
This guide was written for seniors and family caregivers across Suffolk, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News, drawing on fall-prevention guidance from the CDC and the National Institute on Aging, alongside what we see every day driving patients to and from appointments.
Rushing is one of the most common, and most preventable, causes of falls on appointment day. Set out clothing, paperwork and mobility aids the night before, and schedule pickup with enough cushion that a slow morning doesn't turn into a sprint to the door.
Slippers, loose sandals and worn-down soles are a frequent contributor to falls. Closed-back shoes with good tread and a snug fit offer far more stability getting in and out of a vehicle and walking across parking lots or waiting rooms.Source: National Institute on Aging
A cane or walker left in the trunk, by the front door, or "just this once" skipped is a common setup for a fall. Keep mobility aids within arm's reach from the moment you stand up at home until you're seated again after the appointment.
Standing up quickly after sitting — in a vehicle, in a waiting room chair, or on an exam table — can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and lightheadedness. Pause for a few seconds seated, then a few seconds standing, before taking the first step.
Curbs, gravel, wet pavement and parking-lot transitions are where many appointment-day falls happen. Take an extra moment scanning the ground between the door and the vehicle, especially in poor weather or low light.
A second set of eyes and a steady arm make every step of the trip safer, and a caregiver can also help communicate with medical staff and keep track of instructions. Coastal Care Transport welcomes family members riding along for support.Source: CDC STEADI Initiative
A driver who isn't juggling multiple rideshare pickups, and who allows time for a careful, unhurried transfer in and out of the vehicle, removes one of the biggest variables in appointment-day fall risk: being hurried by someone else's schedule.
Coastal Care Transport provides scheduled, door-to-door private-pay transportation throughout Hampton Roads — no rushing, no rideshare juggling, just a dependable ride built around your appointment.
Print this list or save it to your phone before the next appointment:
Coastal Care Transport provides private-pay, door-to-door ambulatory transportation for seniors and other passengers who can walk independently or with a cane or walker, with assistance available getting in and out of the vehicle. We serve Suffolk, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News for doctor visits, dialysis, therapy, recurring care and other scheduled non-emergency trips.
It's just as important to be clear about what we don't currently provide:
Build in extra time. Rushing is one of the most common, and most preventable, causes of falls on appointment day — from fumbling with a walker to missing a curb while hurrying to a vehicle.
Not currently. Coastal Care Transport provides ambulatory (walking) transportation. Wheelchair-accessible service is not offered at this time.
Yes. Family members and caregivers are welcome to ride along for support and to help communicate with medical staff.
Coastal Care Transport provides private-pay non-emergency medical transportation throughout Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Smithfield and Isle of Wight, Virginia.
No. Coastal Care Transport is a private-pay provider, so customers and family members can book directly without Medicaid enrollment or a hospital referral.
Scheduling a day or more ahead gives the most flexibility, though Coastal Care Transport can often accommodate shorter-notice requests depending on availability.
None of these steps require special equipment or a lot of extra effort — just a little planning and a transportation partner who isn't rushing you. Whether you're a senior preparing for your own appointment or a family caregiver coordinating care from a distance, small, consistent habits on appointment day meaningfully lower fall risk.
Serving Suffolk, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News with dependable private-pay medical transportation.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always follow guidance from your own physician or care team regarding mobility, fall risk and appointment preparation.
Coastal Care Transport provides scheduled, unhurried non-emergency medical transportation and senior transportation for appointment days throughout Suffolk and surrounding Hampton Roads communities.
Bon Secours Harbour View Medical Center & Sentara Obici Hospital.
Harbour ViewNorth SuffolkRiverside Smithfield Hospital & Riverside Primary Care Smithfield.
Downtown SmithfieldBenns ChurchRiverside Smithfield Hospital & Sentara St. Luke's.
CarrolltonWindsorChesapeake Regional Medical Center & nearby diagnostic centers.
GreenbrierGreat BridgeSentara CarePlex Hospital & the Hampton VA Medical Center.
Coliseum CentralPhoebusRiverside Regional Medical Center & Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.
Shipyard Corridor