Transportation and domestic help options for an elderly couple in Stamford, CT

January 12, 2008 11:04 AM

Transportation and domestic help options for an elderly couple in Stamford, CT?

My mom's aunt and uncle (Olga and Andy) live in Stamford, CT. About two weeks ago, Andy had bypass surgery at the Bridgeport Hospital (about 25 miles away). On Monday he has to return there for a follow-up visit. However, the forecast is predicting snow, and Olga is not at all comfortable with driving in it. Other than taking an expensive cab ride over there, do they have any other (cheaper) transportation alternatives? I Googled and asked the Bridgeport Hospital for suggestions, but neither helped.

Also, Olga is having a hard time taking care of Andy post-surgery. According to my mom, she is pretty much constantly exhausted. I think it would be a good idea to hire someone to help out around the house, even if it's just a couple of hours a day for a couple of weeks. Can you recommend people or agencies in the area that might be willing to do this without charging an arm and a leg? Thanks in advance...

posted by sotalia to grab bag (8 comments total)

Have you contacted Senior Services ? Senior Services of Stamford offers information, referrals, counseling, advocacy, help with filling out paperwork and emergency financial assistance to Stamford seniors who qualify.
posted by Carol Anne at 11:26 AM on January 12, 2008

I live nearby and would be happy to give Andy a ride (my mom just had bypass surgery). If you'll email me, I can prove my non-psycho-ness pretty easily.
posted by Quisp Lover at 12:15 PM on January 12, 2008 [1 favorite]

Transit for the Elderly and People with Disabilities in Stamford/Norwalk/Westport
posted by desjardins at 12:34 PM on January 12, 2008

There are companies that provide services for senior citizens, including things like rides to medical appointments and simple housekeeping. This is one I had saved when my mom had surgery and was looking for the same kinds of things you are. We didn't end up using this company (or any other), so it's not a personal recommendation.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 2:21 PM on January 12, 2008

I also live nearby and would be happy to help out in a pinch. My car is great in the snow and I would be happy to drop off groceries, meds,etc. I work in Stamford - email me (I am also not a psycho).
posted by elvissa at 9:57 PM on January 12, 2008

I'm guessing this option might prove too difficult if it hasn't already occurred to them, but they can take a Metro North train from Stamford to Bridgeport. At Bridgeport they can get a cab to the hospital. They can also walk a block or so to the Bridgeport bus station and take a local bus (Rt 13) from there to the hospital.
posted by xo at 11:47 PM on January 12, 2008

Quisp Lover and elvissa, that is incredibly generous of you! I'll MeFiMail you to work out the details.

desjardins, I looked into that website too, but it looks like one has to complete an ADA Eligibility Certification Request and be approved before one can use this service. That wasn't going to happen by tomorrow, but it might be an option in the future.

Carol Anne, I had not contacted Senior Services. It looks like they might be able to help with recommendations for domestic help.

SuperSquirrel, that is the kind of help that I think they would need. I'll definitely be contacting them.

xo, that's a good suggestion, but I think that since Andy is still recovering from surgery, a door-to-door mode of transportation is best for them.

Thank you all for your replies.
posted by sotalia at 5:34 AM on January 13, 2008

So much for Mr. Generous. I didn't realize MF had a private messaging feature, never got an email, and so assumed the OP didn't need my help. Took two days off, found my PMs, found her reply in this thread, and it's too late to help great uncle andy. Ouch.

I apologize to the meta universe for being a clud.
posted by Quisp Lover at 12:49 PM on January 14, 2008