Can't book taxi as I don't work for NHS -ridiculous?

[boxoftticks]

My grandad is house bound and is 96.
I'm looking after him with no help from outside carers at the minute.
He needs able getting dressed /feeding and meals.
I live 15 min drive away (1hr 10 if I walk )
I've tried to book my Christmas Day taxis (morning to dress him ,feed him etc -then evening for medication)
They said unless I work for NHS and can prove it I can't book a taxi -I have to ring up on the day 10 mins before I need it and they will see if they have any-but can't guarantee anything will be available.
I honestly am so stressed about it,if I'm not there on time he will try and get up and could possibly fall.
I have 2 young children so unfortunately don't have the option to stay at his house (1 bed )
I would normally get the bus and that's fine but nothing Christmas Day.
I explained to the taxi firm and basically they said tough.
Aibu to think it's ridiculous?
The other taxi firm are fully booked apparently since October.

I think this is the sort of situation your local Facebook page is for, say what you have said here and ask for any recommendations, if it's a local firm you usually use they'll either change their tune or another firm will step up / people will volunteer to help you (at least that's what happens on our toens Facebook page!).

I honestly am so stressed about it,if I'm not there on time he will try and get up and could possibly fall.

I've just had a family friend do this. Didn't want to wait for the usual time to be helped to rise. He tried it himself, twisted, fell out of bed and now has a fractured femur and pelvis.

I hope that your Uber bookings are frictionless for you.

If you live in an area like a big northern town with a high immigrant population, there are bound to be enough taxi drivers working as most of them are muslim or hindu.

What about contacting the owner of the taxi firm and explaining your predicament? It is for humanitarian need afterall.

"I've just had a family friend do this. Didn't want to wait for the usual time to be helped to rise. He tried it himself, twisted, fell out of bed and now has a fractured femur and pelvis."

You knew full well that would worry the op even more. Not very Christmas spirited of you, naughty list for you.

Ask neighbours, local friends, online... Most people would be willing to help out.

Jesus how frustrating! I'd be pointing out to the taxi firm that you are already doing your bit to relieve the NHS by doing all the caring yourself instead of them paying it but I suspect they won't see the value in this.

Are you his registered carer?

I would ask neighbours - Facebook or WhatsApp groups? Someone's uni age kid with a car will be happy to take you to earn a few pounds I'm sure

They obviously don’t want to work over Xmas and so they’ve chosen to only do it for people who work in the NHS, which considering that they want the day off is kind of them.

I can understand why you’d be so frustrated though, as you’re not going on a jolly.

I would ask on local SM pages and say can anyone take me to X address for 1 hour and then return and you will pay them.

I’d also speak to age concern or see if there are any carers in the area that will do a one off appointment.

This is completely unsustainable that you need to do this everyday and don’t know anyone who drives.

Would a residential home not be able to support him better.

Why because they want to have 1 day off to spend with their family?

If Uber don’t show definitely ask on local Facebook group, you’d be surprised how many people would offer, I know I would

Wow that’s a lot of money!

I have also given lifts Christmas Day to neighbours to visit a sick baby in the unit. Who wouldn’t?

I would not trust to a prebooked uber. They don't guarantee a driver.

Do you drive yourself? If so, renting a car for 24hrs might be cheaper than the taxis. Or if a friend can loan a car you insure yourself for 24hrs for about £25.

They are more expensive than a private but try a black taxi. They take and secure bookings in advance, unlike privates and Ubers who take a booking and then just put the call out fifteen minutes before the booking time.

Where do you live OP? I will happily help you out for free ❤️

Depending on the taxi firm you might be better off sticking with Uber from now on.

My local taxi firm were totally rubbish until Uber moved into the area and made them (slightly) up their game, with things like credit card payments, a website, drivers charging constantly etc.

Depending on the town/city I doubt if all taxi drivers are celebrating Christmas. So I wouldn't have thought it was much of a problem anyway.

Put on your local Facebook group if anyone can give you a lift or have any ideas how you can get there? There are lots of people within the community* that would want to help, even on Christmas Day.

*Not all will be axe murderers but take precautions.

Same

@boxoftticks

What area are you in OP?

Are you in contact with your local Aged UK group / Alzheimer's support group ?

They may have a network of volunteer drivers - (my Dad is one) who might be able to help. Or WI. we also have a group called FISH that take people to hospital for their appointments

That's shocking, my MIL gets a taxi every Xmas to ours without an issue but the taxi drivers in my area don't celebrate Christmas. Cant understand why nhs staff need taxis on Christmas- not like they are going to be drinking on shift?!

Hope your uber works out.

Because there’s no public transport?

Ah that makes sense, I always forget about public transport as I drive... sometimes I forget I have legs also😂

definitely do this

also ask at local churches, they often run volunteer groups.

That’s awful OP! I’m glad you’ve managed to find a solution and I hope they won’t let you down. You’re a lovely granddaughter!