Ensuring your loved ones can get to their doctor’s appointments, go to the supermarket or a cafe and catch up could be easier after the launch of a ride-sharing service designed for carers.
Uber Australia introduced the feature on Tuesday, following its launch in the United States in early 2024.
But while the service can be used by the 460,000 paid carers employed in Australia, representatives of the technology company said it was also designed to help extended families and members of the “sandwich generation”, who cared for both children like elderly parents. .
Uber launched its Caregiver service in the US in May, allowing people who needed travel assistance to designate a caregiver to make bookings on their behalf.
The feature allows designated caregivers to edit and track their route and introduces a three-way chat feature with a driver to discuss additional information such as delivery details.
Allowing carers to book rides would help remove stress for both parties, Uber Australia CEO Emma Foley told AAP.
“There’s a big use case for people in that sandwich generation taking care of their older relatives, often parents,” he said.
“We see a lot more situations where people don’t live in the same cities as their elderly parents and want to be able to keep an eye on them and help them with their daily transportation.”
Ride-sharing service designed for caregivers introduced in Australia
A survey of more than 1,000 Australians by the Health Practitioners Advice Authority found that 84 per cent of NDIS participants trusted others to book their travel.
Uber worked with disability inclusion consultancy Get Skilled Access on launching the service and co-chief executive Zack Alcott said it could help remove barriers for many people in the community.
“We all have a responsibility to contribute to a more inclusive society,” he said.
Uber Caregiver would be available at all levels of the ride-sharing service, including UberX, Foley said, although riders who needed additional assistance getting in and out of vehicles would have to select a ride with Uber Assist.
The service will compete with accessible and wheelchair-equipped taxis, many of which have incentives from state governments.
Uber planned to work with Get Skilled Access to develop and launch more accessibility features across more of its services, Foley said.