I’m worried my parents are becoming too isolated as driving has become too expensive
DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER getting rid of their car, my parents hardly go out. I’m worried about how isolated they are becoming and that they are starting to get depressed.
I am a 53-year-old man. My parents are in their early eighties.
Their car did not meet their area’s Ulez requirements and they couldn’t afford the £12.50 daily charge, so sold it.
It was their lifeline and they can’t afford a more up-to-date car.
Taxis are too expensive.
They have tried buses but they have bad knees and hips and it’s not ideal when they have heavy bags.
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My parents never used to fall out but they are getting fed up being cooped up together and are starting to bicker.
They used to regularly see family and their friends and attended lots of social clubs but that is very limited now.
DEIDRE SAYS: You are right to be concerned – social connections are vital for good mental health.
They may qualify for financial support. Turn2Us (turn2us.org.uk, 0808 802 2000) can help with this.
Please encourage them to see their GP for help with their low mood.
You could research whether there are any car club companies in your area. These clubs enable members to use cars from a pool on an hourly or daily rate, without the costly overheads.
Hopefully one of these solutions will help get your parents back on the road and reconnected with their old life.
