One of the key responsibilities of a caregiver is to transport their clients to essential appointments throughout the week. This transportation can be provided using either the caregiver's vehicle or the client's own car. Additionally, options such as Uber and other transportation services, including those specifically for seniors, are available. However, it is important to note that these services do not include mobility assistance or any caregiver support.
For instance, consider a client with dementia who used to enjoy taking drives when he was healthier. He often requests his caregiver to take him for a drive as a way to "get away from the house for a little while". This activity has now been incorporated into his updated care plan. Whenever he feels the need to "get out," he asks his caregiver for a drive. With the caregiver's assistance, he gets into the caregiver's car, and they embark on a 20-40 minute drive to a local park and back.
Another example involves a client who has had a stroke and requires frequent visits to the hospital for various therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Due to his immobility, he cannot drive himself. In addition to transportation, he needs mobility assistance and other caregiver services such as help with recreational activities, incontinence care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Every Monday and Friday, he relies on his caregiver to take him to his physical therapy appointments. With his family occupied with work and school, they are unable to assist him. On these days, the caregiver helps him into the car and drives him to his appointment, ensuring he arrives on time and provides mobility assistance as needed while waiting for the therapy session to conclude. If you find yourself in need of similar assistance, you can sign up for more information using the form found on the home page.
Caregivers can also accompany clients to family events such as birthdays, weddings, and barbecues. They can assist individuals in need at various locations, including fast food restaurants, stores, family visits, friends' homes, and all medical appointments. Preparation is crucial when transporting a client, which includes bringing water, appropriate clothing, incontinence supplies, and emergency contact information. It is essential to ensure that the individual is dressed appropriately for the weather to avoid discomfort.
Transportation services are an integral part of caregiver duties. There is no additional charge for transportation services provided by some caregivers; however, a mileage reimbursement rate of 70 cents per mile will be added to your monthly invoice. This is the only extra cost associated with transportation. While many transportation services are available for doctor appointments and other travel needs, services like Uber and Lyft do not offer caregiver assistance, only transportation.
If you need help with transportation, mobility, incontinence care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, feeding, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), we encourage you to coordinate your care with a care coordinator today. The first step is to complete the form found on the home page. You will receive an email with more information.