What to do if you have no one to take you home after surgery?

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, it's unsafe to drive yourself or take public transport within 24 hours of receiving general anesthesia. If you're wondering what to do if you have no one to take you home after surgery, it's crucial to explore alternative arrangements well in advance of your procedure.

Quick Summary

If you lack a personal ride after surgery, you can hire a professional medical escort, arrange for a non-emergency medical transport service, consult the hospital's social work department for assistance, or utilize local community resources such as volunteer organizations.

Key Points

Communicate with Your Hospital: Talk to a social worker or discharge planner about your situation before your surgery to explore available hospital-supported transport options.
Hire a Medical Escort: Arrange for a professional home health aide or medical escort service to pick you up and help you get settled at home.
Use Non-Emergency Medical Transport: Explore non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, but confirm with the hospital that it meets their discharge requirements.
Tap into Community Resources: Contact local Area Agencies on Aging, religious groups, or nonprofits like the Red Cross for volunteer transport or other assistance.
Prepare Your Home in Advance: Organize your recovery space with essential supplies, prepare meals, and remove tripping hazards before you leave for surgery.
Consider an Overnight Hospital Stay: If appropriate for your procedure, discuss with your doctor the possibility of a 23-hour observation stay to recover from anesthesia.
Plan for Home Recovery: Stock up on groceries, arrange for meal delivery, and consider medical alert systems for added safety at home.

Understanding the Hospital's Policy

Hospitals often require a responsible adult to take you home after procedures involving sedation or general anesthesia due to potential lingering effects like dizziness and impaired judgment. For safety and liability, many facilities won't discharge patients without confirmation of a reliable adult escort. Without a ride, your surgery could be canceled or discharge delayed. Therefore, informing your healthcare team early is vital.

Communicating with Your Healthcare Team

Contact your doctor's office or the hospital's pre-op department to speak with a discharge planner or social worker. They understand hospital policies and can help you find solutions to ensure your surgery proceeds as planned. Be open about your situation; they are equipped to assist.

Professional and Paid Transportation Services

For those able to pay, professional services offer reliable post-surgical transport and care.

Home Health Aide and Medical Escort Services

Home health agencies can provide a professional to pick you up, help you settle at home, and offer short-term assistance with tasks like medication and meals. Inquire about post-operative care experience and insurance coverage.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

NEMT provides scheduled, specialized transport for patients not needing an ambulance. Confirm with the hospital that NEMT meets their discharge criteria, as a caregiver might be required over just a driver.

Medical Ride-Share Programs

Some hospitals partner with ride-share services like Uber Health or Lyft for coordinated medical transport. Check with your discharge team if they offer such programs.

Community and Volunteer Resources

Free or low-cost assistance is often available through community organizations.

Faith-Based and Community Groups

Local religious and community groups may have volunteers who provide transportation for members with medical needs.

Senior and Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging connect older adults with volunteer driver programs and other support services. They are a valuable source for community resources.

Nonprofit Organizations

Organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army sometimes offer medical transportation services, though availability varies.

Other Options to Consider

Discuss these alternative strategies with your healthcare provider for a safe discharge.

Request a Hospital Overnight Stay

A 23-hour observation stay might be possible depending on your procedure, allowing more time to recover from anesthesia before discharge. This is worth discussing with your care team.

Consider Alternative Anesthesia

For some surgeries, local anesthesia might be an option instead of sedation, potentially allowing you to drive home. Discuss this with your surgeon well beforehand.

Comparison of Transportation Options


Transportation Option	Cost	Reliability	Post-Op Care	Considerations
Friend/Family Member	Free	Varies (depends on person)	High (can provide supervision)	Requires personal network; may not always be available.
Home Health Aide	High	High	High (can stay for extended period)	Best for complex recovery; often not covered by insurance.
Medical Ride-Share	Moderate	High	None (driver only)	Check if facility policy allows; good for simple discharge.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport	Moderate	High	None (driver only)	Requires pre-scheduling; not a caregiver service.
Community Volunteers	Free/Low Cost	Varies (volunteer availability)	Low (transportation only)	Dependent on local program availability and eligibility.

Planning for a Safe Recovery at Home

Preparing your home is essential for a smooth recovery.

Prepare Your Living Space

Clear pathways: Remove hazards like rugs to prevent falls.
Stock up on supplies: Keep essentials within easy reach.
Relocate items: Set up a ground-floor recovery area if stairs are difficult.

Arrange for Groceries and Meals

Meal delivery services: Use services for grocery or meal delivery.
Meal prepping: Prepare and freeze meals beforehand.

Utilize Technology for Support

Medical alert systems: Consider devices for easy access to help.
Telehealth services: Virtual check-ins allow for remote monitoring by your doctor.

Conclusion: Your Proactive Plan for a Safe Discharge

Being without a ride home after surgery is a challenge, but not insurmountable. Early communication with your healthcare team and exploring available resources are key. Whether you choose a professional service, volunteer, or alternative hospital arrangement, a plan ensures your safety and recovery. Your medical team and community resources are there to help you. Seeking assistance is a positive step towards healing.

Outbound Link for Authority: Mayo Clinic Article on Finding a Ride After a Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

Hospitals typically do not allow ride-sharing services or taxis if you have received general anesthesia or sedation. The facility requires a responsible adult to ensure your safety for the first 24 hours. However, for some minor procedures or if you only had local anesthesia, it may be permissible. Always check with your healthcare team first.

Lying to the hospital about having a ride is a risky choice. Some facilities may call the designated person to confirm, and if they find out you lied, they may cancel your procedure or refuse to discharge you. It also puts your safety at risk due to the lingering effects of anesthesia.

Insurance coverage varies greatly depending on your plan and the service. Some policies may cover non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) if deemed medically necessary, while others may not. Private medical escort services are often an out-of-pocket expense. Contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage.

If you don't have a personal support network, you can call the hospital's social work department, local Area Agency on Aging, or non-profit organizations like the Red Cross or United Way. These organizations can often provide or connect you with resources for assistance.

If you cannot afford a professional service, explore community-based options. Many volunteer groups, faith-based organizations, and senior centers offer free or low-cost services for transport and assistance. Additionally, your hospital's social work department can often help you find financial assistance programs.

You should arrange your post-surgery transport as soon as your procedure is scheduled. Waiting until the last minute can lead to stress and potential cancellation. Planning ahead gives you ample time to explore all your options and secure a reliable plan.

Beyond transport, home health aide services or volunteer networks can assist with tasks like meal preparation, wound care, and managing medication. Prepare your home with essentials beforehand to minimize your needs, but don't hesitate to ask your hospital social worker about broader support options.