Using the clients car? My mother has her own car with paid car insurance and assume responsibility for the car and the gas and any other expenses. Because of her lack of mobility it is unsafe for her to drive any longer. She needs for her care giver to be able to take her to appointments, etc in order for her to be able to still live in her apartment and maintain her independence. I have received mixed information on this topic and would like to find out the actual rule as per Medicaid.
1. Dis tractability. Would you prefer that the Care Giver focus on driving or your family member?
2. How do you ensure that driving skills of the Care Giver? They may be amazing at providing care but not great drivers.
3. Does the Care Giver drop your family member by themselves at the door to the mall and leave them all alone while searching out a parking spot?
4. What about driving with a person with Dementia? My Dad actually reached for the gear shift while driving on the highway. Luckily I was able to grab his hand and hold it to distract him....but I shudder at what could have happened!
5. Why not leave the driving up to a professional and enjoy the ride together in the back seat?? Is it not about the care and companionship at the end of the day...and not about saving a buck on transportation?
Just my thoughts.
Don't rely on the govt. to take care of all your needs. If no family is available or family friend, than the family needs to hire someone. And you really don't want other people driving your mother's car. If they get into an accident the insurance company has an "out". Hire someone and compensate them for using their car.
Another idea: My mother lives in Fairfax County, Virginia and some of the local cab companies offer a discount booklet of rides for senior citizens. Many other cities offer similar services.
This response was primarily to bump up this question back to the first page. Maybe someone with experience will respond.