Driver for elderly mum

[Wintertime2025]

Hi, my mum has just stopped driving. I live about 90 mins away and keen that she keeps her independence. I’m looking for a care agency that does driving? I found ‘driving miss daisy’ but it doesn’t cover where my mum lives. Any experience from anyone?

For certain trips she can use a taxi I know. But she will really benefit from someone to help her more with navigating/carrying shopping etc

Many Care agencies will offer carers who drive as part of the service.
It depends if she has her own car or not but it's very common to have that as part of a care package.

No specific company though as the people I knew who did that were independent and now retired.

Ahhh thank you. I was wondering if there are independent people. Always pros and cons of course, but having the same person etc/paying direct to the individual.

https://personalassistantsathome.com/l-pa-services-opport i am thinking if trying this service for my mum and nanny

Try asking at your local Age Uk, they will know what is available, in my area there is a service run by volunteers for this who will take people to appointments etc and they just pay costs. Eg relative I knew went to weekly activity group quite local just paid £5.

You should apply for this for your DM it is not means tested

Money can be spent on anything to make her life easier eg taxis, online shopping delivery

https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

She can also apply for a free bus pass from local council

Your local area may have some volunteers who do small jobs for a donation, this may include lifts, shopping etc

My area has one

Try your local library for info or village/town council

Your DM can also apply for a blue badge for parking from your local council

https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

There is a local young lady who advertises help

£18 per hour which is a good price

I looked into some agencies & they had a minimum amount of hours required to be booked per week & it was more expensive.

Try asking on local Facebook group for local recommendations, prices

Ensure DBS checked with refetences

If your DM sells her car
Gets refund on insurance
Gets refund on tax
No car maintenance
No fuel

Surely she should have money available for taxis ?

Most places have a community transport service. It'll be something like £10 a year to join then they collect in a small minibus with aids. The one SIL uses goes to different supermarkets in rotation each week, and does odd days out. Driver helps to take shopping bags in. Fares are about half the taxi fare for the same journey.