I have no idea what to charge an elderly man to take him to the Drs, and market for groceries. I kno him slightly as I clean his house thru a small cleaning service. His sight is leaving him and he has diabetes and breathing problems. He doesn't want to drive his car and will be surrendering his license to the DMV. I'm assuming I would be driving his car.
thx for all your advice. 'Bill' offered to pay something when he asked that I do this for him. its business. I live 15 miles from him, so I couldnt do it for free. its just he knows me and trusts me. i was thinking $25-30 for the day.
My grandfather had a woman help him tidy the house and take him on any errands he needed. She used his car. He paid her $150/week. She worked 3 days/wk 3-5 hrs/day. So basically he paid her $15/hr for cleaning and driving.
Maybe just ask him what he was thinking of paying?
I'm a softie. If he's on a fixed income and giving up his driving priveleges, maybe you could suggest instead of paying you that you go out for a bite to eat when you do your errands. It sounds like he won't have the chance to make that happen for himself.
I befriended the neatest old lady. I did all kinds of things for her because she was an amazingly interesting person. She had been a widow for many years. Her husband was in the Merchant Marines and she had some of the neatest things that he had sent her. She had so many wonderful stories to tell. I really adored her. I couldn't dare take money from her for doing what I would do for any of my other friends.
She loved getting dressed up and going out to eat. She put on her rouge and lipstick and wore gloves. Talk about vintage! She was very low income, but she still had her pride and when we went to eat, she insisted on paying. I really hated letting her do it, I could have paid for my own, but it was her way of thanking me. If I hadn't taken her, she wouldn't have been able to go. And it really was such a treat. For both of us.
She passed away many years ago, but I still think of her often. There was like a 50 year age difference, but I truly considered her my friend. I feel that in getting to know her and do kind things for her, I got the best end of the deal. I truly feel that way.
Everyone's time is worth something, but surely you need to go to the market too. The doctor's office and a bite to eat....make a day of it with him.
Just my opinion.
Best wishes.
Have you considered doing it as a favor to him? If he is on a fixed income then it would probably be a real blessing to him. If he wants to offer you something for your trouble then it's up to him that way. Just a thought.
If your driving his car $15/hr. If your driving your car $18 to $20/hr. (If he can afford)...If he can't, take him when you do your shopping as a good woman.
Blessings.....
I guess it all depends on how many times per week you'll be helping him out. Since he's asking you, I'm under the assumption that he doesn't really have anyone close to him that can help him. Whatever you decide to charge, you should do it out of the kindness of your heart first. Good luck.
I get $20 per hour to do these things, but I have great credit, passed a complete background check, and have experience.
Maybe ask him what he thinks would be fair. You never know...he could be like "$20 per hour". I was thinking maybe whatever the going rate for babysitters would be. So maybe just charge him whatever the rate for babysitters is. The problem with doing if for free is that he is going to want YOU to be committed. If you do it at no cost, you will NOT be committed. He needs you and needs you to be there when you say you will. In order to not resent each other, its better to have to set up as a job.
well....that sounds like something id do for free, but since you are already working for the guy i wonder if you could just ask him how much he thinks it should be.
Is he wealthy? Or is he, well. maybe struggling a bit? If you were in his situation, what would you want someone to charge you? Groceries- people need to shop so if you can't make as much money as you need to, or like to, maybe do your shopping at the same time. Ask him if he would care to join you on an errand or two. He might enjoy the company and you could combine errands to save on gas and time. Even mundane errands can be more enjoyable with a 'friend'. As far as the doctor, bring along a good book or some paperwork to get caught up on too.
I bet there IS a volunteer service that provides the service he needs based without stressing his financial situation...or yours. Maybe do a little phone calls to find such organization or ask some seniors that have trouble getting around because of other disabilities.
But if you do just end up charging him money for the gas, if he can only afford that, remember that you are helping someone in need.
Remember he is probably on a fixed income. Are you desperate to make some money or are doing it more to Help?
I just wanted to mention that.
When I used a nanny service, I heard it was the same price for a nanny as for adult services, such as what you mention.
I had to pay $300 annually for the background search/admin and $12/hour.
