Usually the homemaker/companion can drive the client's car. As long as they are a licensed driver and the client is also and has insurance. I drove the clients' cars all the time when possible. Even when i worked for care agencies. If you're worried about it, call the car insurance company the client uses and ask.
I am a caregiver for my husband who is a disabled veteran, we live in Big Pine Key, Florida. The closest VA clinic for him is in Key West, Florida and qualifies him to receive VA Community Care services (veteran has to live at least 40 miles away from nearest hosiptal, which we do). Access to this VA medical clinic (which is a Navy Base) is restricted. Both of us have to have a written access letter from NCIS allowing me as driver for him to enter this specific clinic along with my drivers license ID and he has to show his veteran ID and his access letter which is scanned for authentication. The access letter is good for one year and expires on the date issued. We try to renew at least 2 weeks in advance of expiration date. There is also free wheelchair accessible transportation for him that allows me to accompany him when he has to have specialty care Doctor appointments at the VA in Miami, Florida. I think you can find on their VA website what documentation you will need to qualify for Caregiver Driver Access Letter. Check with your state on aging services and also contact your counties Social Services Dept. they are a great resource for informational gathering and will direct you to proper area for services that may be available.
If the aide is hired from an agency or thru the VA, you need to check with their rules. If private pay, the aide should be put on the clients car insurance. If its the aides car, I wouldn't do it. You could be held liable if there was an accident. I worked for a Visiting Nurse Assoc. subsidizes by our Township. We could not take clients to appts because only employees could drive or ride in the cars to be covered by insurance. We had a client thats ride to the doctor couldn't do it at the last minute. She was told none of the nurses could do it. I said I would but was told I was taking on the liability.
Personal comment I would not want to drive someone's car, transporting them unless I have a something in writing that I am covered for any accidents or injury. If they are going to a VA doctor at the VA or CBOC the VA might provide transportation.
I drove the clients' cars all the time when possible. Even when i worked for care agencies. If you're worried about it, call the car insurance company the client uses and ask.
In my brother's case the Visiting Angels told me that they often take elders to the doctor when they are able to drive. Even to shopping.
I don't know if all agencies do that; and I am pretty certain you would have to ask them if they do this.
I would not want to drive someone's car, transporting them unless I have a something in writing that I am covered for any accidents or injury.
If they are going to a VA doctor at the VA or CBOC the VA might provide transportation.
They mention transporting the veteran to appointments.
Why do you ask? Are you the caregiver? Doesn’t the vehicle owner have insurance? What does their policy say about others driving?
Could we move this Question up to the Questions section?