Loading...
Hospice Transportation Services in Chicago
Last updated: April 2026
Hospice transportation moves patients between hospitals, hospice facilities, and home with gentle handling, comfort positioning, and a family member riding along at no extra charge. Dream Care Rides provides stretcher transfers from $300 and wheelchair transfers from $65 throughout Chicago and the South Suburbs. Call (708) 505-6994 to arrange your loved one's transfer.
What Hospice Transportation Covers
Hospice transportation covers every trip a hospice patient needs that does not require an ambulance. The most common hospice transfers include:
- •Hospital to home — A patient being discharged from the hospital to begin hospice care at home. This is often the most important trip a family will arrange. The patient leaves the clinical environment and arrives in their own bed, surrounded by the people and belongings that matter to them.
- •Hospice facility to home — A patient in a hospice inpatient unit who is stable enough to transition to home-based hospice care. Our crew transfers the patient from the facility bed to their bed at home with full bed-to-bed service.
- •Facility to facility — A transfer between hospice facilities, nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities. Sometimes a patient needs to move to a facility closer to family, or to one that offers a specific level of comfort care. Our inter-facility transfer service coordinates with both the sending and receiving staff.
- •Comfort-focused medical visits — Trips to the hospital or clinic for palliative procedures, pain management appointments, or radiation for symptom control. These are not curative treatments — they are about reducing suffering and improving the patient's remaining quality of life.
- •Final visits with family — A hospice patient who wants to visit a family member's home, attend a grandchild's birthday, or see a place that holds meaning. These trips are not medical in nature, but they matter deeply. We handle them with the same care as any clinical transfer.
Each of these trips carries weight that goes beyond logistics. The patient may be tired, in pain, or anxious. The family may be overwhelmed and unsure what to expect from the transport. Dream Care Rides exists so that the transportation part of this process does not add to that burden.
Why Hospice Transport Differs from Standard NEMT
Standard non-emergency medical transportation is built around efficiency. A patient goes to a dialysis appointment three times a week, and the transport company gets them there on time and brings them home on schedule. That model works well for routine medical trips. It does not work for hospice.
Hospice patient transportation requires a fundamentally different approach. The patient's comfort is the first priority, not the schedule. A hospice patient may need several extra minutes to be repositioned before the crew can begin moving. A family member may need a moment to compose themselves before the vehicle departs. The patient may be in pain, and every bump in the road matters more than it would on a routine medical trip.
Here is what makes hospice transport different at Dream Care Rides:
Patient Comfort is the First Priority
On a standard NEMT trip, the priority is getting the patient to the appointment on time. On a hospice transfer, the priority is making sure the patient is as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process — from the moment our crew arrives to the moment the patient is settled at the destination. If the patient needs to pause, we pause. If they need repositioning mid-trip, we stop and reposition.
Specialized Positioning
Many hospice patients cannot sit upright. Others can sit but need reclined or semi-reclined positioning. Our vehicles accommodate both: hydraulic-lift gurneys for fully supine patients, and Broda Traversa reclining transport wheelchairs for patients who need support between sitting and lying down. Pillows and blankets are standard on every hospice trip.
No Time Pressure
Standard NEMT operates on a pickup window. If the driver arrives and the patient is not ready, the wait clock starts ticking. On hospice transfers, Dream Care Rides builds extra time into every trip. Our drivers are not penalized for taking longer. The focus is on the patient, not the clock.
Family Always Welcome
One family member or companion rides in the vehicle on every hospice transfer at no additional cost. Being separated from a loved one during transport adds unnecessary anxiety for both the patient and the family. We keep families together. On stretcher transfers, the companion sits in the front passenger area. On wheelchair transfers, they sit beside the patient.
Stretcher vs. Wheelchair Options for Hospice
The choice between stretcher and wheelchair transport depends on the patient's current condition. Your hospice nurse or care coordinator can help determine which level is appropriate. Here is how each option works and what it costs:
| Service Level | Base Rate | Per Mile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stretcher | $300 – $525 | $5 – $16/mi | Patients who cannot sit upright, need bed-to-bed service, or require supine positioning |
| Wheelchair | $65 – $115 | $3 – $6/mi | Patients who can sit supported for the trip duration, door-through-door service |
| Ambulatory | $35 – $65 | $2 – $4/mi | Patients who can walk with minimal assistance and sit in a sedan or SUV |
Stretcher transport includes a two-person crew, a hydraulic-lift gurney, and bed-to-bed service. The crew transfers the patient from the bed at the pickup location onto the gurney, secures all safety harnesses, transports the patient in a climate-controlled ambulette with gentle suspension, and then transfers them into the bed at the destination. This is the most common choice for end of life transportation when the patient is bed-bound or too weak to sit. Learn more about our stretcher transportation in Chicago.
Wheelchair transport uses a hydraulic-lift wheelchair van with Q-Straint four-point securement. For hospice patients who can sit but need additional support, we use Broda Traversa reclining transport wheelchairs that allow semi-reclined positioning during the ride. Door-through-door service means the driver assists the patient from inside the pickup location to inside the destination.
Surcharges: Supplemental oxygen adds $25 per trip. Stairchair service (for locations without elevator access) adds $25. Weekend transfers are billed at 1.5× the base rate. Holiday transfers at 2.25×. Wait time beyond the included window is $15 to $30 per 15-minute increment.
All prices are confirmed upfront before the trip. View the complete Dream Care Rides rate card for all service levels and surcharges.
Long-Distance Hospice Transport — Bringing a Loved One Home
One of the most meaningful trips we handle is bringing a hospice patient home from out of state. A parent was receiving treatment at a specialty hospital in another state, and now the family wants them home in Illinois for their remaining days. A spouse was in a rehabilitation facility far from home and has transitioned to hospice care. An adult child in another city needs to come home.
These long-distance hospice transfers require careful planning that goes beyond a standard trip. Dream Care Rides handles long-distance medical transportation across all lower 48 states from our Illinois base. For hospice patients specifically, we plan for:
- •Extended oxygen reserves — For patients who require supplemental oxygen, we carry sufficient supplies for the full trip duration plus a safety reserve. On a 6-hour drive, we carry 9 or more hours of oxygen.
- •Comfort stops — For trips over 3 hours, we build in rest stops where the crew checks on the patient, adjusts positioning if needed, and allows the family member to stretch. The patient's comfort determines the stop schedule, not a fixed timetable.
- •Route planning for road quality — We choose routes that minimize rough road surfaces and sharp turns. For a hospice patient on a stretcher, a smoother route is worth the extra 20 minutes of drive time.
- •Coordination with both care teams — We communicate with the sending facility about the patient's current status and needs, and with the receiving hospice team or family at home about arrival timing and what to have ready.
- •Family ride-along for the full trip — One companion rides along at no extra charge, even on long-distance transfers. Having a familiar face beside the patient for a 5-hour or 8-hour drive makes the trip far less stressful for everyone.
Long-distance hospice transport pricing follows the same rate structure: stretcher at $300 to $525 base plus $5 to $16 per mile, wheelchair at $65 to $115 base plus $3 to $6 per mile. For trips exceeding 8 hours of drive time, overnight logistics are quoted separately. Call (708) 505-6994 to discuss your specific route and get an exact quote.
Compassionate Crew Training — What Makes Dream Care Rides Different
Every Dream Care Rides driver who handles hospice transfers has completed training that goes beyond the standard NEMT curriculum. Here is what that training covers and why it matters for your loved one:
Gentle Patient Handling
Hospice patients are often frail, in pain, or have skin that bruises easily. Our crews are trained to move slowly, communicate every action before they do it (“I'm going to lift the head of the stretcher now”), and use techniques that minimize jostling. Two-person crews for stretcher transfers distribute the patient's weight evenly and reduce the risk of discomfort during transitions.
Comfort Positioning
Many hospice patients cannot lie flat or sit fully upright. Our drivers are trained to adjust stretcher head elevation, use pillow support for specific body areas, and position wheelchair recline angles based on the patient's needs. If the hospice nurse provides specific positioning instructions, our crew follows them exactly.
Sensitivity and Awareness
Our drivers understand that they are entering one of the most difficult moments in a family's life. They are trained to speak quietly, maintain a calm and steady presence, follow the family's lead on conversation, and give space when it is needed. They do not rush. They do not play loud music. They create an environment that is as calm and respectful as possible.
CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Response
All drivers hold current CPR and First Aid certification. They are trained to recognize changes in patient status, know when to pull over and call 911, and how to communicate with the hospice care team and family during an emergency. Dream Care Rides does not provide clinical care during transport, but our crews are prepared for the unexpected.
This training is why hospice agencies, social workers, and discharge planners in the Chicago area trust Dream Care Rides with their patients. The driver who shows up is not just moving a patient from point A to point B — they are part of the care team for that trip.
Working with Hospice Agencies and Social Workers
Hospice agencies, palliative care programs, and hospital social workers can set up a facility account with Dream Care Rides to streamline patient transfers. This is especially useful for agencies that coordinate multiple patient transfers per week.
- •Standing orders for recurring comfort visits — If a hospice patient has a regular schedule of comfort-focused appointments, set it up once and it repeats. A standing order is not a subscription and carries no long-term commitment.
- •Single-call dispatch for urgent transfers — When a hospice patient needs immediate transport, one call to our dispatch team gets a vehicle en route. Facility accounts receive priority routing.
- •Monthly invoicing — No per-trip payment processing. Itemized monthly invoices with patient name, date, route, and cost for each trip.
- •Dedicated account coordinator — Hospice agencies with facility accounts work with a single point of contact at Dream Care Rides. Your coordinator knows your patients, your facilities, and your preferences. No need to re-explain the situation on every call.
Hospice agencies in the South Suburbs work with our team to coordinate transfers involving Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey, and facilities throughout Cook County and Will County. Learn more about our healthcare facility partnerships and how to open an account.
Insurance Coverage for Hospice Transportation
Insurance coverage for hospice transportation depends on the patient's plan and the purpose of the trip. Here are the most common payment paths:
Medicaid
Illinois Medicaid may cover non-emergency transportation for hospice patients with prior authorization from the managed care organization. Coverage varies by plan and trip purpose. The authorization process typically takes 3 to 5 business days for standard requests. Read our Illinois Medicaid transportation guide for the full authorization process and eligibility details.
Medicare Hospice Benefit
The Medicare Hospice Benefit provides limited transportation coverage. Transportation directly related to the terminal diagnosis may be covered under the hospice benefit. Transportation for unrelated medical conditions follows standard Medicare rules. Check with the patient's hospice agency for specific benefit details.
Private Pay
Available immediately with no prior authorization required. The family or patient pays directly with an upfront confirmed price. Private pay is the fastest option when time matters and insurance authorization would cause delays. Many families choose private pay for hospice transfers specifically because the timing of these trips cannot always wait for insurance approval.
Facility Direct Billing
Hospice agencies with a Dream Care Rides facility account receive monthly invoices. The agency handles billing internally and the family does not need to manage payment. This removes one more worry during an already difficult time.
What Families Should Know Before Booking
If you are arranging hospice transportation for a loved one, here is what to have ready when you call (708) 505-6994:
- •Mobility level — Can the patient sit upright in a wheelchair, or do they need to remain lying down on a stretcher? The hospice nurse can help determine this. If you are unsure, describe the patient's current condition and our dispatcher will recommend the right vehicle.
- •Oxygen needs — Does the patient require supplemental oxygen during transport? If so, we add portable oxygen equipment to the vehicle ($25 surcharge).
- •Comfort positioning — Does the patient need a specific position (reclined, elevated head, side-lying)? Our Broda Traversa chairs and stretcher gurneys accommodate various positioning needs. If the hospice nurse has written positioning instructions, share those with the dispatcher.
- •Access at pickup and destination — Are there narrow doorways, stairs without elevator access, or tight hallways? This information helps us plan the crew size and equipment. Stairchair service is available for $25 when elevator access is not available.
- •Timing — Book 24 to 48 hours ahead for the best vehicle assignment. Same-day transfers are available. For urgent situations, call immediately and we will prioritize dispatching the next available vehicle.
- •What to bring — Comfort items the patient needs during the trip (blankets, medications for the destination, personal belongings). Medical equipment prescribed for the destination facility. Copies of hospice care plans if transferring between facilities.
- •Family ride-along — One family member rides along at no extra charge. Let the dispatcher know so we assign the right vehicle configuration.
For more details about arranging transport at hospital discharge, read our hospital discharge transportation guide.
Ready to Arrange Hospice Transportation?
Let us handle the transportation so you can focus on being with your loved one. Family rides along at no extra charge on every transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Transportation
Can a family member ride along during hospice transportation?
Yes. One family member or companion rides along at no extra charge on every hospice transfer. We want your loved one to have a familiar face beside them during the trip. Let our dispatcher know when you book so we assign a vehicle with appropriate companion seating. For stretcher transfers, the companion sits in the front passenger area of the ambulette.
What is the difference between stretcher and wheelchair transport for hospice patients?
Stretcher transport is for patients who cannot sit upright or who need to remain lying down for comfort during the trip. The ambulette has a hydraulic-lift gurney and a two-person crew for bed-to-bed service. Stretcher base rate is $300 to $525 plus $5 to $16 per mile. Wheelchair transport is for patients who can sit supported in a wheelchair for the duration of the ride. The van has a hydraulic lift and Q-Straint securement. Wheelchair base rate is $65 to $115 plus $3 to $6 per mile. Your hospice nurse or care coordinator can help determine which level matches the patient's current condition.
How far in advance should we schedule hospice transportation?
We recommend booking 24 to 48 hours before the planned transfer whenever possible. This gives us the best vehicle and crew assignment for your loved one. Same-day hospice transfers are available when vehicles are in the area. For urgent hospice transfers, call (708) 505-6994 and we will prioritize dispatching the next available vehicle.
Does Dream Care Rides provide oxygen during hospice transfers?
Yes. Supplemental oxygen is available on all stretcher and wheelchair vehicles for an additional $25 per trip. Our drivers are trained to monitor portable oxygen equipment during transport. If your loved one requires continuous ventilator support or active respiratory therapy during the trip, a BLS ambulance may be more appropriate. Your hospice team can advise on the right transport level.
Can you transport a hospice patient from the hospital to their home?
Yes. Hospital-to-home transfers for hospice patients are one of our most important trip types. Many families choose to bring their loved one home for comfort care, and we handle the transport with the gentleness and care that moment deserves. Our stretcher crews provide bed-to-bed service from the hospital room to the patient's bed at home, including navigating hallways, elevators, and doorways. Call (708) 505-6994 to arrange the transfer.
Does Medicaid cover hospice transportation?
Illinois Medicaid may cover non-emergency transportation for hospice patients when prior authorization is obtained from the managed care organization. Coverage depends on the specific plan and the purpose of the trip. The Medicare Hospice Benefit has limited transportation coverage. Private pay is always available with no authorization required and can be booked immediately. Read our Illinois Medicaid transportation guide for details on the authorization process.
What should we tell the dispatcher when booking a hospice ride?
Tell our dispatcher: the patient's current mobility level (stretcher or wheelchair), whether oxygen is needed during transport, the pickup address and destination address, any comfort positioning needs (reclined, elevated head, etc.), whether a family member will ride along, and any narrow doorways or stairways at the pickup or destination location. This information helps us send the right vehicle and crew.
Do your drivers have training for hospice patient care?
All Dream Care Rides drivers hold current CPR and First Aid certification. Our stretcher and wheelchair crews receive additional training in gentle patient handling, comfort positioning, and hospice-specific sensitivity. Our drivers understand that these transfers require patience, a calm presence, and respect for the patient and family. We do not provide clinical care during transport.
Can Dream Care Rides bring a hospice patient home from out of state?
Yes. Our long-distance medical transportation service covers all lower 48 states. Many families need to bring a loved one home to Illinois from an out-of-state hospital or facility for their final days. We plan the route with rest stops, sufficient oxygen reserves, and comfort positioning for the entire trip. A family member rides along at no extra charge. Call (708) 505-6994 to discuss your loved one's specific route and needs.
What happens if the patient's condition changes during transport?
All Dream Care Rides drivers hold CPR and First Aid certification and are trained to recognize changes in patient status. If a patient's condition changes during transport, the driver pulls over safely and calls 911 immediately. Our vehicles carry emergency supplies and our dispatch team coordinates with the family and the hospice care team throughout any incident. We do not provide clinical care during transport, but we ensure the patient reaches emergency services without delay.
About the Author
Otse Amorighoye is the Founder and CEO of Dream Care Rides, a licensed, insured non-emergency medical transportation provider headquartered at 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461 (NPI #1033989991). Dream Care Rides provides gentle, dignified transportation for hospice patients throughout Chicago, the South Suburbs, and across state lines for long-distance transfers.
Schedule Hospice Transportation Now
We know this is a difficult time. Let us handle the transportation so you can focus on what matters most — being with the people you love.
Call (708) 505-6994 to arrange a stretcher or wheelchair transfer. Stretcher from $300, wheelchair from $65. Family rides along at no extra charge.
O
Otse Amorighoye
Founder & CEO, Dream Care Rides | NPI #1033989991
Licensed NEMT provider headquartered in Olympia Fields, IL.
Related Services
Stretcher Transport
Ambulette service for patients who need to travel lying down
Learn moreWheelchair Transport
ADA-compliant wheelchair van service with hydraulic lifts and Q-Straint securement
Learn moreCompanion Service
A trained companion rides along for patients who need extra support
Learn moreNursing Home Transport
Transport to and from nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
Learn more