November 4, 2026

Rides to Appointments, Often Cheaper Than Uber

Getting a parent to medical appointments is one of the first things that becomes hard for adult children, especially when you work during the day or live out of town. Many families do not realize home care can solve it.

A caregiver who also drives

Many Mint Home Care clients are mostly independent. They use companion care for company, light housework and rides to appointments. Co-owner Niran Gunaratnam explains that for those trips Mint charges only mileage, at the IRS rate, which often comes out cheaper than an Uber.

The difference goes beyond cost. A ride-share driver drops your parent at the curb. A caregiver can walk them in, wait with them, help them remember questions for the doctor, and bring them home safely.

More than a ride

Transportation from a caregiver can cover:

Doctor, dental and therapy appointments
Pharmacy and grocery trips
The hair salon, church or a visit with a friend
Errands your parent no longer wants to do alone

Getting out of the house matters for more than errands. Regular outings keep a parent connected and active. See senior transportation and concierge support for more on this kind of help.

Find a Home Care Provider Near You

Search the Care Across America directory to connect with trusted home care agencies serving your city and state.

Browse the Home Care Directory

Questions to ask

Does the agency allow caregivers to drive clients, and in whose car?
How is driving billed: mileage, time or both?
Can the caregiver stay with your parent during the appointment?

Agencies handle transportation differently, so ask before the first ride.

Watch the full conversation

This clip comes from Valerie VanBooven's Care Across America interview with Niran Gunaratnam, co-owner of Mint Home Care in Fairfax, Virginia. Watch the full interview on YouTube or read the episode notes.

About Mint Home Care

Mint Home Care is an independent, licensed home care agency (License HCO-0002198) in Fairfax serving Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, Alexandria, Arlington and the rest of Northern Virginia. It offers companion and personal care with no weekly minimums, from a few hours a week to 24/7. Call (703) 828-0011 or visit Mint Home Care's profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a home care caregiver drive my parent to appointments?

Many agencies allow it. At Mint Home Care, caregivers can drive companion care clients to appointments, and Mint charges mileage at the IRS rate for those trips.

Is a caregiver ride cheaper than a ride-share?

It can be. Mint Home Care's co-owner says its mileage charge at the IRS rate often comes out cheaper than an Uber, and the caregiver can stay with your parent at the appointment.

Written By

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN is a registered nurse, wife, mom, and published author of several books on long-term care and elder care. She is the Founder and Co-Owner of Approved Senior Network® and the founder of Care Across America®.