What delivery or errand service do I need for this task?

November 6, 2020 5:49 PM

A 75 year old aunt is apartment bound in Hempstead, NY (Long Island). She needs a prescription picked up and dropped outside her apartment door. The pharmacy can deliver in 2 days, but ideally she would receive it the same day it is filled by the pharmacy. The friends and relatives who would normally do this can't for Reasons. Is this a job for Postmates? Taskrabbit? ServiceSquirrel? What exists that is accessible by me (far far away) from the internet? Thanks!

That's it, short question. Your suggestions would be most welcome!

posted by Jenny'sCricket to Technology (7 answers total)

In my area mutual aid networks will do this kind of thing! There are some links to mutual aid groups about halfway down this page, look for Long Island. Most groups will have a “request help” option that you or your aunt can fill out, like this one. She’ll probably need to authorize pickup with the pharmacy too.
posted by stellaluna at 6:05 PM on November 6, 2020 [1 favorite]

If they have Favor in that area, Favor does that kind of thing. Favor is like Door Dash or Uber Eats, except they’ll deliver almost anything.
posted by MexicanYenta at 6:48 PM on November 6, 2020 [1 favorite]

Try posting here on Jobs?
posted by bookmammal at 7:27 PM on November 6, 2020 [2 favorites]

I saw this very situation on NextDoor. Several people volunteered to pick up a med for an encumbered young mother who does not drive. They also volunteered to be called on 'next time'. Your aunt might see of NextDoor operates in her neighborhood.
posted by Cranberry at 12:02 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]

Yes, a taskrabbit should be able to do this. You'd just need to arrange with the pharmacy to allow the prescription to be released.
posted by hydra77 at 10:12 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]

I despise Nextdoor.com for all of its nosy, noisy, bitchy neighboriness, but that would be an easy option in the future(I joined just for it's effectiveness with lost pets.) Be forewarned it's not an instant process, you need to give a physical address then respond to a physical piece of mail they send out to start an account. Folks in my neighborhood are lining up to help out with situations like this or people who are low on food or needing tutoring for their home-learning kids.
posted by nenequesadilla at 9:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]

Can your aunt just call the pharmacy and offer extra cash for same-day delivery, explain the situation? This would probably be the most straightforward solution. Or consider finding another pharmacy that will deliver.
posted by luckdragon at 5:44 PM on November 8, 2020