As a professional live-in carer at edyn.care, you enjoy the freedom of managing your own schedule and selecting your own clients. We strongly believe in enabling you to apply for packages that align with your qualifications on our platform, giving you control of your work. Once you’ve been matched with a client, it is your responsibility to organise and effectively manage your travel. Here are our top tips to help you manage your travel:
1. Plan Ahead: Know the Route Beforehand
Ensure you plan your route to the package at least 48 hours before the start date. This will help you feel confident about your timing and allow you to report any concerns to the office. Planning ahead helps you avoid delays and unnecessary stress. We always recommend aiming to arrive 15 minutes before your handover. This provides a buffer. As 95% of our handovers start at 2 pm, plan your travel to arrive by 1.45 pm.
2. Best Platforms for Route Planning
There are several platforms that can help you find the best routes for driving, using public transport, or cycling. Consider these tools:
Google Maps: Provides routes for driving, walking, cycling, and public transport, with real-time traffic updates.
Citymapper: Ideal for navigating large UK cities, offering detailed routes for buses, trains, and trams, plus real-time updates.
Waze: Excellent for drivers, offering real-time traffic data with user-reported hazards, road closures, and accidents.
Trainline: For train travel, Trainline tracks live departures, lets you book tickets, and alerts you to any disruptions.
Uber/Bolt/Free Now: Ride-sharing apps like these are helpful as a backup if public transport fails or there are unexpected delays.
3. Understanding Public Transport
Public transport is cost-effective, particularly in urban areas. Here’s a quick guide to services that might help:
TfL: For those in London, TfL covers buses, the Tube, and overground rail, providing route and timing information.
National Rail: Essential for carers travelling between cities. Check for any delays or engineering work.
Local Buses: Be familiar with local bus services in the area you’re working, such as Stagecoach or Arriva.
4. Coach Travel for Long-Distance Journeys
Coaches, such as National Express and Megabus, are great options for long-distance travel. These services often provide more affordable alternatives to trains and cover most major cities and towns in the UK. Remember, coach travel takes longer and is more prone to delays, so account for extra travel time when planning your day.
National Express: Offers flexible, budget-friendly coach travel across the UK and can be booked online.
Megabus: Known for affordable tickets, it’s ideal for long-distance, low-cost travel.
5. Receipts for Travel Expenses
You should always keep receipts for your travel expenses. These can be submitted as part of your financial statement at the end of the year and may be tax-deductible. Additionally, if we agree to help cover travel costs, we will need to see your receipts. Keeping these records will help you stay organised and save money.
6. Communication When Running Late
If your journey doesn’t go as planned and you’re running late, it’s critical that you communicate with the office immediately so that we can inform the care recipient and their family members to ensure we’re aligned on a plan. Don’t wait until you arrive. If you are driving, pull over safely and inform the office about the delay. Timely communication allows us to inform the client and make necessary adjustments.
7. Planning Your Route Home
It’s equally important to plan your departure carefully when you are the outgoing carer. Always allow enough contingency time to complete your handover and travel to your service. We strongly recommend you don’t book your travel too soon after your handover period ends, as accidents, train cancellations, or delays for the incoming carer can easily happen. We suggest allowing at least a 45-minute buffer from the point of the handover ending to the start of your travel. This ensures you adhere to our policy of remaining at the property until the incoming carer arrives and you complete the handover. Failure to do so will result in a safeguarding concern and a breach of your responsibilities.
8. Backup Plans are Essential
It’s important to consider a backup plan or alternative route if your main transport option fails. We suggest always building in extra time to handle the unexpected.
Alternative roads: If driving, apps like Waze or Google Maps can suggest alternative routes.
Multiple transport modes: If public transport is delayed, switch to ride-sharing or take an earlier bus or train.
9. Keeping Costs in Check
Efficient travelling isn’t just about time—it’s also about managing costs. Here are a few ways to save on travel expenses:
Season tickets or travel cards: If you frequently travel to the same area, a season ticket or travel card can save money.
Mileage tracking: If you drive, track your mileage to claim tax relief on travel expenses.
Discounts on coaches: Services like National Express and Megabus often offer discounts, especially if you book in advance.
10. Handling Emergencies
In emergencies or sudden changes, such as your client needing immediate care or travel plans falling through, it’s crucial to remain flexible. Always keep your phone charged and your transport apps ready to find the quickest solution. Communication with the office is essential. We will always support you in travelling safely and effectively.