Cold weather can be especially challenging for seniors in Lakeway. Staying connected and checking in helps ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind for families and neighbors alike.

Nurse Tracie from Lakeway Mobility shares simple tips to prepare for a doctor’s visit, so you arrive informed, confident, and stress-free.

Weight loss can affect medication dosages, especially in seniors. Nurse Tracie explains why follow-up visits and medication reviews matter.

Learn how loneliness, falls, mobility, and dignity are connected in senior care—and how small changes can reduce fall risk and protect independence.

Hi, I’m Nurse Tracie And yes, I believe in hospital beds, wheelchairs, knee scooters, and safe rides home. But I also believe in something just as important: good feelings. Because healing doesn’t start when the equipment arrives. It starts when someone feels safe. The Ride Home Matters. I’ve seen it thousands of times. A patient leaves the hospital with a plan… but also with fear. Will this hurt? Will I fall? What if something goes wrong? That’s why at Lakeway Mobility, we don’t just show up with a van or a piece of equipment. We show up with: Calm voices Clear explanations Patience Respect And a little humor when it helps good feelings lower stress. Lower stress helps the body heal. That’s not fluff. That’s physiology. The Feelings We Aim to Deliver When we do our job right, our clients feel: Safe Supported Relieved Confident Seen Cared for Those feelings travel home with you. Long after we leave. Nurse’s Note Your nervous system is part of your recovery team. When you feel rushed, confused, or anxious, your body stays in fight-or-flight. When you feel calm, understood, and supported, your body can finally do what it’s designed to do: heal.

When a loved one needs to get from point A to point B for medical reasons, families often assume there are only two options: call an ambulance or figure it out themselves. In reality, there’s a third option many people don’t learn about until they’re already overwhelmed. Understanding the difference between Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and an ambulance can save you stress, time, and significant expense, while still keeping your loved one safe and comfortable. As a Registered Nurse with decades of experience in acute care, case management, and patient transitions, I want to break this down clearly and honestly. What Is an Ambulance Used For? An ambulance is designed for medical emergencies. Ambulance transport is appropriate when a patient: Is unstable or medically critical Needs active medical intervention during transport Requires cardiac monitoring, IV medications, oxygen titration, or life-saving equipment Is experiencing symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, or altered consciousness Ambulances are staffed by paramedics or EMTs and equipped to respond to emergencies in real time. Important to know: If the transport is not deemed medically necessary by insurance, you may be billed thousands of dollars out of pocket. What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)? Non-Emergency Medical Transportation is for patients who do not require emergency care, but cannot safely ride in a standard car. NEMT is ideal for patients who: Use a wheelchair, walker, or mobility aid Are weak, post-surgical, or at high fall risk Are being discharged from the hospital or rehab facility Need transport to dialysis, chemotherapy, follow-up appointments, or assisted living Require dignity, patience, and physical assistance rather than emergency intervention NEMT vehicles are designed for comfort, accessibility, and safety, not crisis response. Key Differences at a Glance Ambulance Emergency response Advanced medical equipment Paramedic/EMT care Very expensive if not medically necessary Often rushed and stressful for non-critical patients Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Planned, scheduled transport Wheelchair-accessible vehicles Trained drivers and patient-assist staff Significantly more affordable Calm, dignified, and patient-centered Why Families Often Call an Ambulance When They Don’t Need One This happens all the time, and it’s not anyone’s fault. Families are often: Told “discharge is today” with little notice Unsure how to move someone safely Afraid of doing the wrong thing Exhausted and under pressure In these moments, an ambulance feels like the safest default. But if no emergency care is required, it’s often not the best or most appropriate option. Where Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Truly Shines NEMT fills the gap between emergency care and independence. It provides: Safe transfers from bed to wheelchair Help navigating stairs, elevators, and tight spaces Time, patience, and clear communication A calmer experience for patients who are already overwhelmed For many seniors and recovering patients, this gentler approach makes all the difference. An RN’s Perspective From a clinical standpoint, the goal of any transport should be: Safety Dignity Appropriate level of care More medical equipment does not always mean better care. Sometimes, the best care is not being treated like an emergency when you’re not one. That’s where non-emergency medical transportation fits beautifully. How to Decide Which You Need Ask yourself: Is my loved one medically unstable? Do they need active medical treatment during transport? Could a calm, assisted, wheelchair-accessible vehicle meet their needs? If the answer to the first two is no, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation is likely the right choice. If you’re unsure, a reputable NEMT provider can help guide you. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone Transitions are hard. Discharges are fast. Families are doing their best. If you need help deciding what type of transport is appropriate, or if you need same-day assistance, reaching out early can make the process smoother and far less stressful. At Lakeway Mobility, our approach is rooted in nursing judgment, safety, and compassion. We’re here to support families through moments that feel anything but simple. Written by Tracie Slaoui, RN, BSN, CCM Founder, Lakeway Mobility

Compassionate caregiver supporting elderly loved one at home during a quiet and reflective holiday season.

Wheelchair-accessible non-emergency medical transportation in Lakeway and Austin, TX. Safe, reliable rides from an RN-owned local team.

Panic mode after hospital discharge is common. Learn how to move from fear to a clear plan with guidance from an RN and case manager in Lakeway TX.

Lift chairs offer solutions to those who need mobility assistance or experience chronic pain. Continue reading to learn more about the potential benefits.