Transportation: Washington Elderly Handicapped Transportation Services (WHETS)

Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Washington Elderly Handicapped Transportation Services (WHETS)

WEHTS is a great service for elderly and handicapped people in DC, however it has some drawbacks.

It is great because it is FREE.  It should be used for transportation to and from medical appointments, group shopping trips and any personal errands (as long as the errands relate to income benefits and housing).  Clients can arrange their own rides with this service, which is empowering and takes some burden off the social service provider's plate.

Drawbacks - 

1. I get conflicting information about the hours of operation.  I've heard that it operates Monday - Fridays from 630 am - 600 pm.  That would be ideal.  However, I've also heard that it operates M-F from 10 am to 4 pm.  Inconsistent information is a drawback for sure.
2. I get conflicting information about the number of days lead time required to make a reservation.  Sometimes I hear that it is four days (which is almost an entire week!) and other times I hear that it is 24 hours.  Regardless, call when you know your client may need a ride and see what they say.

Website: Here is the site from the DC government.  A senior is enrolled in this service by calling a "lead agency" in the ward the senior resides.  You can find the lead agency here.  Once you've found the ward the senior lives in and the lead agency in their ward, phone the lead agency and enroll the senior.

Criteria: A DC resident who is 60 years old or older.

Tricks of the Trade:

1. Get to know a few drivers by greeting them curb side.  They are usually willing to look out for your clients if you ask them too.
2. While the requirement is 4 days notice before any ride is given, there is usually enough flexibility to schedule next day rides.

What has your experience been with WEHTS?  Do you have any clarifying information?  Please leave a comment and share your experiences.

Transportation: MetroAccess

Rating: 2.5 out of 3 stars

When I worked at a local hospital, patients always had a hard time getting to and from their houses for their appointments.  Doctors would routinely refer patients to me for transportation assistance.  There are many transportation resources in the DC area so I would usually begin with MetroAccess.  I would begin with this because the patients might be disabled or temporarily disabled, which is the qualifying criteria to use MetroAccess.

Website: MetroAccess and this is the application

Criteria: MetroAccess is for people who are handicap or disabled.

Tricks of the Trade:

1. A medical professional has to sign the application.  This includes: Physician, Physician’s Assistant, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Optometrist (visual disabilities only), Podiatrist (disabilities of the foot and ankle only) or, Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psychiatric disabilities only).
2. The applicant has to get an appointment with MetroAccess and appear in person (unless severely disabled) before the applicant can utilize the service
3. To by pass point number two, when you call to schedule your appointment, ask for a "pending MetroAccess number."  This will allow you to use the services before your interview.
4. People who are temporarily disabled qualify. For example, if someone has cancer and they will be in treatment for a year but then back to normal, they qualify.

Do you know any other tricks of the trade? Was this helpful to you?  Please leave a comment.