Elderly parents and taxis

securityguy

pollypenny wrote: »

I think it's a case of never having had much money and now not really understanding that things, like taxis, which were rare and expensive, are nkw common and reasonably cheap.

Cars used to be rare and expensive, but it doesn't appear to stop demands for lifts.

Rambosmum

With some local authorities you can trade in your bus pass for taxi vouchers. Each journey in a taxi is paid for by a voucher, no money is exchanged at any point. This may get over his issue?

mattc1

securityguy wrote: »

Cars used to be rare and expensive, but it doesn't appear to stop demands for lifts.

I think thats more down to when people can physically see money being spent it bothers them more. When they are getting a taxi they are parting with money there and then, when they get a lift from someone they dont see the money thats been spent and feel comfortable with it.

supersaver2

mattc1 wrote: »

I think thats more down to when people can physically see money being spent it bothers them more. When they are getting a taxi they are parting with money there and then, when they get a lift from someone they dont see the money thats been spent and feel comfortable with it.

I'd be showing them my petrol dial to see money being spent, especially if I had to make 200 mile trips for hair appointments! :eek:

purpleshoes_2

My gran never had an issue getting taxis and she died in her 80s, she used public transport happily well into her 80s, but if there was an occasion where she needed to get a taxi home late at night she got it. I think there's far more to it than someone not wanting to spend money and being of a certain generation if family members are having to make hundreds of miles round trips to take that family member a short distance.

My mum is 66 and rarely gets taxis, she uses public transport on an almost daily basis, again if she ever needs to get a taxi she'll get one.

Sometimes it must be the easier option to have family at your beck and call and if you know they'll always pick you up and ferry you about when you refuse to get a taxi, then you'll take advantage of it.

Or some people will. There's no excuse as far as Im concerned if someone has plenty money in the bank to guilt trip a relative into having to take time off work just because they won't get a taxi a short distance.

silverwhistle

[quote=[Deleted User];67958886]The car wont go far on two wheels will it? And no car I cant get to work to earn money and I certainly cant ferry you around.[/QUOTE]

Think you've missed a trick there Paul. "Sorry Dad, can't give you a lift, got a puncture." If he moans, tell him that you took to heart what he said about spending so much on new tyres....

securityguy

mattc1 wrote: »

I think thats more down to when people can physically see money being spent it bothers them more. When they are getting a taxi they are parting with money there and then, when they get a lift from someone they dont see the money thats been spent and feel comfortable with it.

That's probably true. So "sponging off people rather than paying for it yourself" is now the praiseworthy value of the elderly, it would appear.

margaretclare

A lady who goes to the same church as we go to, has a taxi to bring her and then again to take her home.

Having a mobile phone (which would help her if taxi is late) - now there's something she won't have.

System

Folks, you can call them mean if you like but I rather think in a lot of cases its all down to control.

Well it was in the case of my Mother anyway. Fact was, she thought she could control me but my brother would have just flatly refused.

Armchair23

When it comes down to it there are many and varied reasons for being 'difficult' about something like using taxis.

It could be the cost, what the neighbours will say, being plain awkward, or worrying what happens if you need an urgent pee.

But as the person being asked for the taxi service you get the chance to say no. I think it is a bit of a shock if you've always run around after an aged P and then suddenly refuse, but it's your choice ultimately.

I had to remind my Mum that I was coming up to pension age and if she carried on relying solely on me, there was a chance I'd die before she did and she'd be right royally stuffed if she hadn't learnt how to accept help from other people.

People are people whatever their age, reasonable, lovely or a complete pain in the proverbial. But I can see and understand how hard it is when you are losing your mental and physical facilities, so I try to be kind.

Doesn't always work I have to say, sometimes I get home and dream of a massive earthquake, or tornado that will wipe her of the face of the earth and it wont be my fault !!!