25/08/2025
When I see this pic it still after so many years shatters me... imagine what this man is thinking, going through.
For me it is grief for many a thing
SAFETY FIRST
My name is COLLEEN and I am a Carer.
Names: The Uber couple (names have been changed for this article)
I wrote an article this morning about the 'Uber Couple'. The apt name for what happened
The couple went out with Uber even though they needed a carer to attend. They forgot their appointments… with Dementia onset this forgetfulness is common
There are times when intervention is necessary but there are so many different perceptions on right and wrong - where to draw the line?
When the loved one forgets the Carer is coming and they go out with Uber that can maybe be overlooked the first time
But when it happens again in the same week then their safety is questionable and risk of trouble heightened
Before we go on please understand that it is an absolute necessity that communication between carers, clients (normally loved ones), and the elderly is kept open
It has opened up a true concern about where the line between independence is drawn vs 'taking away independence'
If a family member takes an Uber and they have ailments then surely there should be a way to protect them
Many times I have seen and heard of customers been taking advantage of by drivers of such organizations - where people didn't make it to their destinations and/or were accosted. Oh, how much more vulnerable would the vulnerable be if an answer or direction to protect them isn't found?
I think independence is really important and should not be 'taken away' and I don't, for one minute, think that concerned families want to have to keep an eye on every movement their loved one takes BUT there are times that it is absolutely necessary so what to do?
- Change your mindset from your loved ones losing their independence TO keeping them safe
- You deserve the peace of mind as well and trust me that they want the peace of mind - their place of safety
- knowing that you care enough to intervene
- Someone mentioned getting a Power of Attorney but a POW is really for legal business interventions etc and in honesty, I think that is taking away their independence in a very obvious way - it may tell them they have no control
- POPI ACT... I honestly am not sure that it would apply in the case of protecting your loved ones. For family to know a loved one is safe when taking trips overrides this. The POPI is there to protect the consumer but thus far I see no indication of what it says about this matter of fair and reasonable awareness of a loved ones whereabouts
Your experiences and thoughts would be appreciated but please no attacking etc
This is only to be considered where viable helpful info is provided
Col
Col
