Best Way to Transport my Mum Around?

crafterholic123

I have a transport issue and was wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a solution.

Basically, my parents have both had a serious health issue and have had surgery in the last week. Unfortunate timing that they both are ill at the same time and now both can't drive for at least the next 4 weeks. They live in a rural area with my brother, but my brother is refusing to take them to all of their appontments for things like opticians, hairdressers, dentists etc because he's working. He's taking them to hospital appointments but moaning so much about it it is causing my parents stress.

I am away next week, but usually I live an hour away from them, and I don't drive. Does anyone know of any way to get transport for my parents to and from appointments to local services as well as hospitals about 45 minutes away? I have suggested a taxi but it's awkward particularly for short appointments and my mum isn't keen - she's a bit wobbly on her feet so ideally needs someone with her - plus it's very expensive especially if they have to wait for her while she's at the appointment.

 

Is there another solution? Perhaps some kind of service that transports older people around? I'm willing to pay for it, but I kind of need to hire a driver in blocks of time, with the driver also perhaps helping my mum into and out of the places she's going.Unfortunately their friends all work or have other commitments and my mum doesn't want to 'burden them'.

My parents live on the Fylde coast and I can't find a service myself but I might be missing something. Age UK don't seem to provide a service in their area.

Thanks in advance for any help.

daveyjp

The hospital should have a patient transport service.

Community transport for other trips:

https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/community-transport-services/

Cyclamen

Hello .

Just a few ideas some that I use

Hospital transport.. this is a good safety net but involves a lot of sitting around and often a minibus /rattley ambulance.. for me last resort.

Link volunteer drivers .. i think this is national scheme.

Are either of them veterans.. the Royal British Legion may have a volunteer.

There is a company called 'driving miss daisy' and other non franchise types that will transport and escort people to appoitments, social stuff etc.

Opticians.. you can get home visits on nhs in certain situations .. but often a wait this could be a long one, and smaller selction of glasses etc

Taxi - my local taxi company have been looking after me for so long they are happy to loan an arm, bring bags into kitchen etc.
If wobbly on feet perhaps (if not already done) a rollator/walker especially with seat would be a good start just for that bit of safety and support.  It doesnt hurt to ask.. once at hospitals there are often volunteers in entrance who can collect wheelchair and either take your mum to appoitment or call a porter.. ask the hospital. 

Have a look for local self employed carers and PAs (personal assistants) they are very used to supporting for appointments and settling back at home.  Care agencies would also do this ut they are so very overstretched at the moment it may be hard to find one with availability

good luck 

crafterholic123

Thanks very much for your help, I've sent them a couple of places to try. The Driving Miss Daisy is not available in their area, which is unfortunate.

p00hsticks

crafterholic123 said:

Basically, my parents have both had a serious health issue and have had surgery in the last week. Unfortunate timing that they both are ill at the same time and now both can't drive for at least the next 4 weeks. They live in a rural area with my brother, but my brother is refusing to take them to all of their appontments for things like opticians, hairdressers, dentists etc because he's working. He's taking them to hospital appointments but moaning so much about it it is causing my parents stress.

I can appreciate it's difficult for your parents, but can also see your brothers point of view if he's having to take a lot of time off work - presumably as holiday or unpaid leave - to run them to appointments. As cyclamen says, the hospital should be able to arrange volunteer transport for essential medical appointments if necessary. 

But couldn't they simply cancel or postpone the less essential appointments such as hairdressers? Unless it's an emergency, putting off a routine dental or opticians appointment is surely not a big deal ? Or arrange for a hairdresser and/or optician to visit them at home ? I know Specsavers advertise home visits.....

strawb_shortcake

crafterholic123 said:

Thanks very much for your help, I've sent them a couple of places to try. The Driving Miss Daisy is not available in their area, which is unfortunate.

Driving miss Daisy is very expensive in my opinion, a neighbour used it and paid £35 each way for a journey no more than 1.5miles in total. 

comeandgo

Does the town she lives in have a Facebook community page?  I am part of a local charity in my area that gives lifts to elderly and I know there was a separate one in my mothers town, maybe the local people will know from your parents area.

elsien

Yes, it would probably be cheaper and less stressful to postpone the non-essential appointments - it is only for 4 weeks.
I can understand why your brother is unwilling to take time off work for a hairdresser appointment. 

thegreenone

Could you email the churches local to your parents to ask if there are any volunteer drivers locally.  Our Parish and local magazines often have adverts for services in them.

crafterholic123

Thanks for your help

It's complicated with my brother - he's self-employed and his job is doing up a house so he doesn't have a boss or set hours. But yes I understand the unwillingness.

With the hairdressers yes that could be rescheduled but the other appointments would be handy - mum's illness has affected her eyesight so she can't see well at the moment as she needs new glasses.

I've passed all of the info on so hopefully they find something suitable