Brookline sits closer to Longwood than almost any residential town in Massachusetts. Brigham and Women's, Beth Israel Deaconess, Dana-Farber and Children's are minutes away. And every week we hear from a Brookline family whose parent cannot get to any of them, because of eight granite steps up to a Beacon Street entrance or a pre-war building where the elevator stops one half-flight short of the lobby.

We handle the stairs and the ride together, which is the only version of this that actually gets someone to a 10:15 appointment.

Brookline's Two Stair Problems

The first is the Victorian and brownstone stock through Coolidge Corner, Longwood, and along Beacon: a raised entrance with a run of stone steps to the front door, often with a single railing, sometimes with a second interior flight to the unit.

The second is the pre-war apartment building. Many have elevators, which sounds like the problem is solved, until you find that the elevator does not reach the vestibule, or that there are four steps between the lobby and the street. Four steps stop a wheelchair exactly as completely as forty.

The Transfer Itself

We bring a stair chair, the same class of equipment carried by fire and EMS crews. The rider sits and is secured with chest and leg straps. Two trained staff control the chair from above and below so it takes the weight step by step, and no one is lifting.

Landings, railings, tread depth and turns all change the approach, so we ask about them when you book. The method is described in stair chair and mobility assistance in Massachusetts and moving someone up and down stairs at home.

Then the Ride, Usually a Short One

Our vehicles have ramps or hydraulic lifts, floor anchors and four-point securement, so the rider stays in their own wheelchair. From most of Brookline the Longwood Medical Area is a ten-minute drive, which makes the walk from drop-off to clinic the longest part of many trips. Our aide covers that stretch with the rider and brings them to the check-in desk.

We also run standing recurring rides for dialysis, infusion and radiation, set up once rather than booked weekly. See our dialysis transportation overview, and transportation to Dana-Farber for one of the most frequent destinations from this town. Vehicle and booking detail is on our Brookline wheelchair transportation page.

What to Tell Us When You Call

Whether the building has an elevator and where it actually stops, how many exterior steps there are, whether there is an interior flight, whether railings are present, the rider's approximate weight, and their mobility equipment. If the entrance is on a busy stretch of Beacon or Harvard Street, mention that too so we can plan where the van stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

The building has an elevator. Do we still need this?

Often yes. The gap between the elevator and the street is where most Brookline trips fail. Count the steps between the lobby and the sidewalk before you decide.

Can you manage a high stone stoop?

Yes. Tell us the number of steps and whether there is a railing, and we will send the right crew.

Do you serve all of Brookline?

Yes, including Coolidge Corner, Washington Square, Brookline Village, Chestnut Hill, Longwood, and the Beacon Street corridor.

Is this an ambulance?

No. We serve medically stable riders who need no treatment or monitoring during the trip. For emergencies, call 911.

Can a family member ride along?

Yes, at no extra charge. Mention it when booking so we hold the seat.

Count the Steps, Then Call

Call 781-957-8076 or email info@careremedyinc.com . Describe the entrance and we will tell you plainly whether the trip works.

Care Remedy Inc, 100 TradeCenter, Suite G-700, Woburn, MA 01801.