Driving Miss Daisy staff don’t just drive; an appointment starts with helping the client from inside the house to the vehicle, then at the destination, staying with the client if needed. This may be for medical appointments, where, with prior approval, staff can take notes and book appointments for the client. If a client needs help choosing clothing, or help trying something on, staff are able to assist.
The tailored service is very useful for people who are not able to accompany their aging parent or relative to appointments or for running errands, or for elderly clients who don’t have family in town, says McLean.
“The key is listening carefully to the challenges that each client faces and meeting those needs on an individual basis,” she says.
It doesn’t matter how mundane the task is - the franchise owner says she has helped clients pick out an outfit or a new item for their home - or how unique. “I take family pets to veterinarian appointments - I’ve even learned how to catch a cat in a towel,” she says.
There are clients who use her services weekly for hair appointments, grocery shopping or to attend a recreation centre activity, and there are clients who call her up once in a while for help when their family isn’t available.
I find the richness of this business comes from the in between moments: finding canes, helping pick the nicest coat, or hearing funny stories from days long ago.
“I’ve taken people out to Kakabeka Falls or east along Lake Superior; we’ll go for a drive, stop for a cup of tea. I‘ve also taken people to their grandchildren’s weddings,” she adds.
“We’re pretty much available to do whatever it is a client needs to do,” McLean says. Staff can help book bloodwork and other tests at Life Labs, and for those who find it too challenging to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment online or by phone, Driving Miss Daisy can handle that, too.
Driving Miss Daisy is also a service provider for Veteran's Affairs so veterans may be eligible for reimbursement.
From one car, McLean’s business has grown to four vehicles (three small SUVs and one wheelchair-accessible vehicle) and five employees. We all have first aid and CPR certificates, clear driver’s abstracts and are tested for COVID-19 on a regular basis.
“Our staff are the eyes for those with compromised vision, the feet for those with minimal mobility, and a steady arm for support,” she says.
Learn more about Janice McLean and Driving Miss Daisy and how they can help you by visiting https://drivingmissdaisy.ca/franchise/janice-mclean/
Learn more about Janice McLean and Driving Miss Daisy and how they can help you by visiting https://drivingmissdaisy.ca/franchise/janice-mclean/
