Burlington families have an advantage most towns do not: Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is right here. Cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, surgery, all within a few minutes' drive. Which makes it more frustrating, not less, when a parent cannot get to an appointment because of six steps from the split-entry landing down to the front door.

Care Remedy provides trained stair assistance and the wheelchair-accessible ride in the same booking.

The Split-Entry Problem

Burlington built heavily in the postwar decades, which means split-entries, raised ranches and garrison colonials. The characteristic layout puts a short flight up to the main level and another down to the family room or garage, with the front door landing between them.

Short flights feel safe and are not. A six-step run with a turn at the bottom is where people fall, and it is where a family member trying to help gets injured. It is also enough to make a Lahey appointment three miles away effectively unreachable.

How We Handle It

A stair chair, the same class of equipment fire and EMS crews use, and two trained staff. The rider is seated and secured with chest and leg straps. One staff member above, one below, and the chair takes the weight on each step. Short runs go quickly; turns mean stopping and repositioning rather than forcing the angle.

The method is described in stair chair and mobility assistance in Massachusetts and moving someone up and down stairs at home.

Rides to Lahey and Beyond

Lahey is the anchor destination, and the short distance means we can often build tight schedules around appointment times. Beyond it we run to Winchester Hospital, Mass General, Brigham and Women's, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Dana-Farber.

Our vehicles use ramps or hydraulic lifts with floor anchors and four-point securement, so the rider stays in their own wheelchair. Lahey is a large campus and the walk from drop-off to a specific clinic is longer than people expect, so our aide goes with the rider to the check-in desk. Vehicle and booking detail is on our Burlington wheelchair transportation page.

Procedures at Lahey That Need an Escort

Endoscopy and day surgery require a named responsible adult to wait, receive the discharge instructions, and take the patient home. A rideshare does not satisfy that, and appointments get cancelled at the desk over it.

We provide the escort, the ride, and the stairs at the other end as one booking. See medical escort services and whether you need a responsible adult after a procedure.

Care at Home Too

Many Burlington families start with a ride and stay for care at home. Our guide to companion care in Burlington, including costs and how to hire covers that side in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you handle a split-entry with two short flights?

Yes, routinely. Tell us how many steps in each run and where the front door sits between them.

Can you get someone in through the garage instead?

Sometimes that is the better route, and we will suggest it if so. Mention the garage layout when you book.

Can we book stairs without a ride?

Yes, particularly for a discharge home from Lahey.

Is this an ambulance?

No. We serve medically stable riders. For treatment or monitoring en route, call 911.

How much notice do you need?

Two to three days for a first trip. Recurring appointments should be set up as a standing schedule.

Describe the Entry and We Will Plan It

Call 781-957-8076 or email info@careremedyinc.com . Being three miles from Lahey should not mean missing appointments.

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