When a parent stops driving in East Herts
A guide for families facing the DVLA legal duty to declare a medical condition that affects driving, the fine of up to £1,000 for not doing so, and the warning signs it is time to raise it: new scrapes or dents, getting lost on familiar routes, hesitating at junctions, points or a fine not mentioned, and quietly giving up trips they used to make. From age 70 everyone must renew their licence every three years regardless of health, and the eyesight test is reading a number plate from 20 metres.
Once the car goes, Hertfordshire's volunteer car schemes such as Hertford Community Cars and the Hertfordshire and Broxbourne Community Transport Scheme, both run by the Royal Voluntary Service, cover medical appointments, shopping trips and social visits, usually cheaper than a taxi and with a familiar driver. Attendance Allowance, £76.70 or £114.60 a week and not means tested, often covers the gap. A companion can come alongside the journey to do the part a lift alone does not: carrying the bags, making the shop into an outing rather than an errand.
AirCarers Companion is help before care. Companions are not carers and do not provide personal care, medication or anything clinical. We work across Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne and the SG11 to SG14 and EN10 to EN11 postcodes. Visits start at one hour, from £25 an hour. Call 07455 750006 or email lucie@aircarers.co.uk.