It is very difficult to find transportation to/from hospital for surgical procedures if you live in a state where you have no family and are elderly. Social Services are not much help as the hospital has strict rules about patients leaving under anesthesia. Companies like Soonercare, Uber a Cab are not allowed to drive a patient home due to insurance. A neighbor, a church member however can, but most are at work or elderly as well. Any suggestions? Thank you.
And I have to say this....
Your friends and neighbors do want to help out but they need to know what you need done. Do not be afraid to ask. The same with your church group. If it can be arranged it will be and if not then they will let you know.
In most cases for the Volunteer Network I know the one in my area would like enough notice that they can get a Volunteer. The same with your friends and Church group. A Week notice would be great 2 weeks would be even better.
They are usually called something like Volunteers in Action or Faith in Action. Look those up to find out if you have any near you. You must sign up as a client well in advance of needing the ride. They may require that they visit you at home (need to protect their volunteers from bad or dangerous home situations). You'll have to fill out forms. Often they need three weeks' notice to get you on the schedule.
If that doesn't work, you can hire someone from Visiting Angels or some other home health business to take you and bring you home. Their "Angels" do a lot of that. You might be able to find a driver who isn't affiliated with a company. I've had drivers who work on their own and specialize in taking elders to medical appointments. One of them had worked in a doctor's office, and when she semi-retired, she started her own ride service. Look around and see who you can find.
This rule can be bypassed, they can keep you longer if a light anesthesia if you have no one there when they feel you SHOULD have someone.
If they can't help I am afraid you are down to hiring someone to provide transportation home.
Wishing you luck.