My parents are unable to drive. I can take them sometimes. They seem to have so many appointments. I have asked to leave early or had to take off so much I
feel my job is in jeopardy.
I have called several agency for assistance....dont serve our area, not qualified, passes from one number to other then vise versa.
We are all on a limited income . Taxi would have to come from another town ...very expensive. , no public transportation in our town.
However, if there is none, then I would try to get some referrals for a private person that you might hire to transport for you. It may be more expensive than a cab, but it might be easier on your parents, since the cab experience will become more and more difficult for them as they get older.
And if they are needing more and more medical services, you might anticipate that this is going to become more problematic and since your job does not accommodate that time away, Have you considered them moving to a facility that might provide them with transportation, meals, medication, etc. ?
My Mom lives in a senior community where there are several residents who help the older residents for a small fee. My mother arranged for rides with one of those women for a few occasions when neither my sister nor I was available. In addition, she has a neighbor who has taken her shopping a few times, just as a favor. So I wonder if there are any informal services like that where your parents live, or any neighbors/friends/fellow church members that they could ask for favors occasionally?
I do agree that it may be time for your parents to consider a more supported living environment, because two needy parents helped by one adult child who is still working is just not a sustainable arrangement over the longer term.
Others above are right, sounds like it is time for your parents to move closer to a larger city where care is just around the corner. They might feel more comfortable being much closer to their doctors, too.
Do they live in their own home? If yes, and the house has a lot of equity, sell it and use the money to get a nice senior apartment in town.
Now what I do is have my parents use the same doctors, thus get back-to-back appointments.... only one afternoon off instead of two separate afternoons off. And I stopped with the ridiculous "come back in 3 months" that some of the doctors were doing... if the health issue isn't a life or death situation, once or twice a year was enough.
Now, here is a thought, what if you couldn't drive for whatever medical reason? I am dealing with that now since I broke my shoulder, I can't use the gear shift. My parents are looking at me like "who will drive us?" Sorry, that "guilt" isn't going to work this time :P