Family, friends, and caregivers
Try enlisting friends and family for help driving the person you're caring for on errands and outings. Considering hiring an occasional driver. Ask friends, church or other faith groups, and senior organizations for referrals.
Cost: In some cases, he may find volunteer drivers who don't expect payment. Otherwise, drivers should be paid similarly to in-home caregivers, meaning on a range from minimum wage to "high-end" salaries of $15 to $25 an hour.The Eldercare Locator, which connects you to a local agency, can help you learn the going rate for in-home care in his area. It can also be reached by calling 800-677-1116 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST).
Tips: Before hiring a driver, make sure you see a copy of his driver's license and proof of insurance, and go for at least one drive with the candidate. Check references. If a driver is using the older adult's car, or yours, check with your insurance company about coverage.
Taxis, limousines, and other private pay-for-service transit
If the person you're caring for doesn't want to use public transportation or isn't eligible for paratransit, consider judicious use of taxis and other private door-to-door transport. While not inexpensive, these are usually convenient and comfortable.
Cost: Prices are calculated by distance traveled and time (including waiting time), and they vary by community. If you look online using the name of his town and terms such as taxi fares or limousine fares, you might find tools to help you calculate prices. Online tools give taxi fares for larger
How to find it: Check in the telephone directory under taxis, limousines, or transportation companies. Do the same online, always using his hometown. Senior centers in the person's neighborhood may give referrals for selected services.
Tip: You or the person you're caring for should call ahead to get fare estimates to avoid last-minute fumbling around for the right change.
Just came across your article doing some research for my Dad, great breakdown. Here in San Francisco there’s a “pay-for-service” company that’s doing something different. SilverRide offers vehicles with driver companions that accommodate senior needs. They also provide lifestyle concierge services to help keep seniors engaged. I haven’t seen this combo offered by others, seems to make sense.
Hats off to Kate for tackling this important subject. Another resource you can look for are professional chauffeurs. Look for companies like WeDriveU, a nice alternative for seniors who prefer to be driven in the comfort of their own car or Avis rental for medical appointments or social visits with friends & family. Rather than charging by mileage/distance, they charge a flat hourly fee.