Growing Demand for Wheelchair and Stretcher Transportation

Kootenai County has experienced a notable increase in its senior population, leading to a heightened demand for specialized wheelchair and stretcher transportation. Between 2010 and 2020, the proportion of residents aged 65 and over in Kootenai County rose from just over 16% to 20%, reflecting a significant demographic shift. As of 2021, seniors constituted approximately 18.92% of the county's total population with the upward trend underscoring the county's aging demographic.

The aging population has led to a surge in demand for non-emergency medical transportation services such as Rocky Mountain Transportation.  Rocky Mountain caters to our senior population and those with mobility issues who lack adequate assisted transportation options. 

Rocky Mountain Transportation is also committed to supporting area facilities including hospitals, emergency rooms, and skilled care nursing communities.  These facilities are witnessing an increased need for specialized discharge transportation to ensure patients are not forced to be unnecessarily admitted.  Such scenarios drive up hospital costs and limit availability to patients needing urgent care. 

Ensuring assisted transportation services are readily available is crucial for optimizing patient flow, improving financial sustainability, and maintaining high-quality care.  A large segment of our senior population does not qualify for Medicaid benefits yet still requires transportation assistance. This gap in coverage forces seniors and families to pay out-of-pocket for wheelchair and stretcher transportation. 

Rocky Mountain Transportation continues to collaborate and partner with hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing facilities and supporting agencies throughout Kootenai County and surrounding regions to increase accessibility and raise awareness for increased support services.