It seems to be an ongoing debate when a live-in carer arrives at a placement driving her own car, that the carer is expected to use it as transport for the client. There are, as in every situation, two sides and two opinions to this dilemma, and neither is a completely satisfactory solution.

Now, while it is very handy for the live-in carer to have their own car, there are some issues to be addressed when asked to transport a client anywhere. 

When transporting your client in your car, it is you and only you who have sole responsibility for their safety, as well as your own safety. This in itself may be enough to put carers off sharing their car with a client, although it is worth looking at both sides before making a decision. 

There are potential hazards to transporting a client in your own car, namely

• Hazardous manual handling procedures when getting a client in and out of the car
• Unrestrained assistive equipment and mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs
• Client’s unpredictable behaviour
• Poor driving conditions and terrain
• Poor visibility and distractions
• Passenger illness or conditions such as dementia and unpredictability in any situation
• Route changes and confusion about directions
• Possibility of breakdown in unfamiliar areas

Consider insurance on your car

Transporting your client back and forth is considered as business, and as such you will need business insurance on your car, just in case something crops up while you are driving your client somewhere. 

If you do not have a business specific insurance policy, you may find in the event of an accident that you are not covered.

In a regular job placement this is normally covered by the employer, but it is different with live-in carers’ situations as it is unlikely that family will be willing to foot this bill, even if you are the permanent carer and return frequently. 

As a self employed carer you will be able to claim the cost of your car insurance when you file your taxes. However, you may be faced with a hefty amount to pay upfront when you start the policy.

You will also be able to claim for repairs and servicing, fuel, parking fees, licence fees and breakdown cover although you may have to pay out for all of these long before you can claim them back.

Emotional blackmail

It is a very sad fact that when a live-in carer arrives at a placement driving their own car, it is automatically assumed that they will use it as transport for the client. 

In fact, what often happens is that so much pressure is put on the carer from the family and client themselves, that the carer feels bullied into using their car. 

As anyone who has been in this situation will affirm, this is a grossly unfair situation to be placed in. 

Object, and you may not be asked back for another placement. Agree, and you may be liable for extra insurance, extra responsibility and added stress in an already stressful role. It is literally a case of being between the devil and the deep blue sea.

While you might think that explaining to the family why you are reluctant to transport your client may seem logical to you, it is likely that they will not see it your way.

What’s the solution?

It is entirely possible to get a client from one place to another using taxis. Even in remote places there may be organisations that employ volunteer drivers to transport clients to doctors, etc. 

As a carer you should weigh up all the pros and cons of the situation, and they will differ from client to client. Some clients may be absolute perfect passengers while others may be a nightmare. 

Are you happy to take that responsibility when transporting your client, and are you happy to foot the bill for your added insurance? If not, then you should consider the best way to not become the resident taxi driver.

While arriving and parking your car around the corner, and walking the last block to your client may not be a viable option, you will need to discuss your points with either your client or family. 

Be prepared to stand your ground if you have decided to decline this role of taxi driver, and keep strong because family can, and will try their best to make you feel guilty about not using your own car.

If you have decided to transport your client then take into account some points

• Make sure that you are fit to drive. You do not need to be driving after having been up during the night when your client calls you
• Never drive if you are on medication that can cause drowsiness
• Do not allow your client to smoke in your car, it is a fire and safety hazard
• Ensure that everyone puts a seatbelt on and keeps it on the entire journey
• Decline to drive in poor conditions such as fog and heavy rain
• Obey the road regulations no matter what your client suggests, it is you who will be paying the fine, not them
• Take the most direct route and stick to it, making no detours in case there are problems on an unfamiliar route
• Keep all doors locked while driving
• Ensure the drop off and pick up points are on flat ground
• Never leave a client unattended in your car

Final points

Using your own car has always been a grey area strewn with opinions as to whether it is right or wrong to do so. 

The bottom line in this case is that the carer is absolutely under no obligation to use their own vehicle to transport a client. It is a matter of a personal decision that only the carer should be making with no pressure from either client of their family. 

Ultimately, the decision will be up to the carer as to the use of their car, and having made up your mind, whichever way you choose, make sure that you know exactly what is required of you. It is very difficult to change from offering your car to refusing to use it, without causing an upset. 

 

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