As a live-in carer you may find yourself in charge of getting your client to various appointments such as doctor or hospital, and even shopping if your client can manage this.
When there is a car provided this should not prove to be a burden. In fact, getting your client out of the house, even for a short period of time can sometimes be a welcome change.
But it’s my car and they want me to use it all the time!
Many live-in carers have opted to buy their own cars and travel to and from their clients this way, rather than be dependent on public transport. Unfortunately, when you arrive at your new placement, your car is most likely to be seen as a bonus and regarded as part of your package.
Can family and client do this? Yes, they can, and very often they will. It is a sad fact that live-in carers are often seen to be worth far less than they really are and having ‘free’ transport for mum makes you a valuable commodity.
Is this fair? Of course not! But you can expect your car to be included in any arrangements made for your client. How you handle the initial approach to you and your car is important.
So, how much driving should I do?
Before you even allow your client into your car you and the family/next of kin need to set some ground rules. Always remember that it is your car, not the family or client’s asset and as such you have the final say as to how it is used.
You need to ask how much money per kilometer you will be paid to run your client back and forth. Check out the going rate from the carer forums and your agency and stick to it.
Under no circumstances should you be talked into accepting less than this amount. If the going rate for mileage on your own car is 40p per kilometer, then that is what you should be charging each week.
Make sure that the family understand that this is what you intend to charge, and you may find that they ask you to use your car a little less! A regular trip out each day will add a nice amount to your weekly wage packet and you need to know that it will be paid.
It is perfectly reasonable to refuse to drive your client out in the rush hour traffic unless you really have to. It is also perfectly reasonable to refuse to take them for a ride for the second time in the day – unless you want to.
One pleasure trip out each day is a reasonable request, more than that borders on taking advantage of you and your (readily available) transport. Do not let yourself be made to feel guilty because you decline to use your car excessively – and family/client will try, so be prepared for this.
Final thoughts
It is a very sad fact, but true that if you have a car, you will be asked to use it whenever your client feels like it. It is also true that they will not be happy when you decline.
For this reason, it is better to be upfront with family and your client about when you use your car and how much mileage you will be charging. Stick to your guns, remember that you will have to pay for oil changes, new tyres, and brake pads. You will be footing the bill for insurance and any damage to your car.
If you are happy to ferry your client around all the time, then that’s perfectly fine. It is just never a good idea to feel that you are being bullied into doing something and penalized for having your own transport.
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