Driving Miss Daisy

We are really thankful for the service Frances (your Nelson Daisy) provides for our son, for whom transport has always been a major problem.  Autistic in nature, there is a lot of anxiety that goes with travel - different routes home, different vehicles, add in different people and drivers, (as with a usual taxi service), and the stress goes up exponentially! 

However, he loves 'Miss Daisy'. He looks forward to the days that he travels with you, and often googles photos of the blue car with a daisy on the door! Your calm and cheerful approach has changed everything, and even on the days where there has been stress, you have given him the gift of security, along with a lift home! It's easy to say, you have changed our lives, but you really have. He has been dependent on us (or our long-suffering friends!) for transport up until now, which has limited our activities too. 

You have offered him a reliable, dependable service, but above and beyond that, the personal touch and friendship you've given have restored the joy of independence to his life. 

We are very, very grateful and love 'Miss Daisy' too!

Lisette Cautley - Nelson

What a great service Nic and the team provide!

We have an elderly Aunt, who lives in a retirement village, and at the dial of a button, Miss Daisy is booked and away she goes...effortlessly.

This has opened up a whole new world for her and us (the family), as she is no longer dependent on a busy working family to drop everything and run her to appointments and events, as Miss Daisy does this.

We, as a family, really appreciate Nic and her team, because they not only write her appointments etc on our Auntie's calendar, but also ring her on the day, arrive early, escort her to the car and appointment, do shopping on the way home and build in time for a cuppa if she wishes.

This is great service and we highly recommend Driving Miss Daisy to all our friends that have family that need a warm, professional, quality service at a fair price, for their loved ones.

 

 

Mattingley Family

To whom it may concern

I work fulltime in Wellington and have been engaging Driving Miss Daisy - Kapiti to assist my mother with outings and appointments for the past 18 months. Their companion driving is a brilliant safe service!

Nic, Ngaire and Tobi would take mum to appointments at Dr's, Wgtn Hospital, podiatrist, hairdresser and Otaki Memorial RSA. Each trip is a delight for mum with lots of laughter and love. All three ladies are very patient with mum as she has either her walker or wheelchair.

6 months ago mum moved into a Retirement Village. The lovely Driving Miss Daisy ladies take mum out on a regular Wednesday outing for an hours drive somewhere around the Kapiti Coast and finished off with a delightful café visit. Late Friday afternoon they take mum to the Otaki Memorial RSA for dinner so mum can keep in contact with her Otaki friends. Mum looks so forward to these outings during the week. It gives me peace of mind knowing she is out and about and in such safe caring hands.

Nic, Ngaire and Tobi always go the extra mile with mum and make her feel safe and comfortable. I have no hesitation what-so-ever in recommending the services of Driving Miss Daisy - Kapiti.

Joyce Hannah - Whitby (Mum uses Kapiti DMD)

Dear Elizabeth (Botany Daisy)

Thank you very much for all that you have done for me and my family.  I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for you.  You have also provided 'peace of mind' when collecting Dylan to and from school for me, something I wouldn't have been happy arranging a taxi to do.  You're a real Saint.

Kindest Wishes

Sarah

(Written in a Thank You Card from an ACC Client Elizabeth had driven to work for 7 months)

Sarah Bartholemew - Botany

Dear "Miss Daisy" (Carolyn Yorke - Manawatu Driving Miss Daisy)

I am the daughter one of your clients, who you recently helped with transport after the theft of her car.  I wanted to thank you for the kindness that you showed Mum during this trying time.  Your help was greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

God Bless

Susan

Susan - USA

My 90 year old grandfather absolutely adores Gilly!

He books her in at least 3 times a week and sees it as a real treat to chat away to her as she drops him off to his destination.

For my grandad, it is more than just a service, he considers Gilly a friend. My grandad was admitted into hospital recently and Gilly was very concerned about him and kept in contact with me on his progress. She is such a caring and kind lady and a real asset to this Franchise. It can be quite stressful finding a service that will treat the elderly with the respect, patience and kindness that they deserve and we have definitely found that in Gilly.

My family and I are extremely grateful to her as we live quite far away and it puts our mind at ease knowing that our grandad has a taxi service that he can rely on. 

So thank you Gilly, you are definitely an Angel on wheels!

Caroline Tauevihi - Auckland

Nicolette Veltman’s Driving Miss Daisy service on the Kapiti Coast has been of great benefit to my 91-year-old mother, a resident with hospital-level care at Sevenoaks Lodge.

My mother has difficulty walking and even difficulty standing up from a seated or lying down position, but her mind is still strong and there’s nothing she likes better than the occasional outing to refresh her senses and/or to get basics done, like going to the dentist or getting an eye exam. Unfortunately, I do not live on the Kapiti Coast and am only available about once a month or six weeks or so, to assist my mother with outings, so we rely on Driving Miss Daisy and it works very well.

Not only does the driver assist with getting mother in and out of her transport, she stays with my mother through treatments as necessary. She reports back to me on how things have gone. When I couldn’t be there in person for my mother’s birthday, she took her out for a pizza and a glass of wine, my shout, to highlight her day. Driving Miss Daisy will invoice on a monthly basis and her rates are reasonable. My mother’s life would be a lot less fun if we couldn’t utilise this service.

Leslie - Turangi (Mum uses Kapiti DMD)

Have you ever needed help?  I mean really needed help with someone you love dearly?

I live in Australia and have a very dear mother who lives in NZ, in a place that is not all that easy to get to.  Mum has five children, four of whom are scattered up and down the North Island.  All are great at visiting mum in her low level aged care facility and I come over 4-5 times a year to spend time with a mother we all value and love dearly.

In spite of all our best intentions there are times when it is difficult, nay impossible, to visit our mother as often as we would like.

Remember Adele Basheer’s “Every now and then beautiful angels appear cleverly disguised as human beings”?  Well I have found one in Masterton cleverly disguised as someone driving a beautiful, distinctive, pale blue car with ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ on the side, her name is Ruth Day.

Ruth has been a registered nurse who has stepped in when none of us are available, to develop a wonderful professional but loving relationship with our old mum – who is pretty discerning about who she will trust!

It wasn’t a breeze for Ruth to gain Mum’s trust but she did it.  She gave it the time, understanding and empathy required to make mum look forward to Ruth’s weekly (now bi-weekly) visits. Ruth takes mum to the doctor or on a picnic, to church or to the park, to some gardens or just for a quiet drive, whatever mum feels like on the day.

With her nursing background Ruth understands the implications of various medication and she can understand the medical information and questions put to her by the staff and doctor, which she can then clarify for me.

 She has in a word been absolutely invaluable.

It is not in my vocabulary, whichever Thesauarus I use, to express the gratitude I feel for what Ruth has done for our very much loved mum. Things we do for her when we can, but which continue to be done for her when we can’t, through Ruth.  It is enriching mum’s twilight years in a way I didn’t think possible; and will continue to be so until the need is no longer there.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Ruth. Thank you.

[we are prepared to share Ruth with other special people in need!]

Scilla Ecuyer - Brisbane, Australia

Thanks for providing an awesome service!

It has made a huge difference to both my life and my Mum's. I can go to work trusting that Mum will get to
her appointments as well as enjoy the journey there and back. She loves going on outings and it is so lovely that the Miss Daisy team goes the extra mile to help out in so many ways.  We really appreciate the reminder calls, the ongoing contact involving the next month's appointment and the extra care that is second to none.  This means that the time I spend with Mum is quality time where we can have coffee or walks on the beach and just enjoy our time together.

Lynne (who's Mum uses DMD Kapiti)

I would like to express my sincere thanks for the great customer service provided by Lynda and her team from Driving Miss Daisy.

Bruce established a great relationship with my son – Richard in a very short time.  Richard always looked forward to be being picked up and taken to school.

I received a text message on my phone when my son was safely at school. It was appreciated. I knew I could relax since he was in safe hands.

The customer service was great, I highly recommend the Driving Miss Daisy service.

Keep up the good work!

Helga Moon - Upper Hutt

Hello Nic

Thank you very much for your excellent service. It will be my pleasure to sing your praises far and wide and will look forward to seeing you again.

Regards

Rae

(From Nic's 100 year old clients daughter - Nic transported them in Daisy style to Thelma’s 100^th birthday lunch and then home again with all the goodies)

 

Rae - Kapiti Coast

Dear Melanie

What an amazing prize to win!

Hawkes Bay and three days of me and mum time!! It was a fabulous experience from start to finish.

I would like to say …….Well done Melanie; You have put together and created such a wonderful service for young and old.  Your ladies are all so upbeat, positive and a pleasure to be around.   You would never receive that kind of treatment in an Auckland Taxi.   Your attention to detail is superb and because of that, and the team you have behind you, I can only see your business going from strength to strength.  You’re an absolute Pocket Rocket!!

Thank you again for a wonderful trip home with my mother.

Kindest Regards 

Caroline Druce - Auckland (Mother's Day Prize Winner)

Dear Melanie

Our prize was the ultimate in a Mother & Daughter experience!

Every part of it was so delightful and the Miss Daisy service is second to none.  Anything I can do to promote your companion service, I will do.

Your attention to detail is superb and that really shows in terms of the prize we were lucky enough to win.

Thank you so much for all you did for us to give us such a memorable few days. 

With love and best wishes to all at Driving Miss Daisy.

 

Jennifer Willis - Auckland (Mother's Day Prize Winner)

Nomination to a Local Paper 

I wish to nominate Josie, from the Driving Miss Daisy Hastings service, for being so wonderful for my Mum, Ngarie Hinder, who resides in the Gracelands Retirement Village. Mum always uses Driving Miss Daisy but the other day she was unexpectedly delayed when she went to The Medical Centre & needed a few extra medical tests. Josie was so concerned that she hadn't heard from Mum that she especially drove to the Medical Centre to make sure she was OK. Thank you Josie & Sheryl for providing that extra help. It gives Mum & us assurance that she is "just not another number in the system" & that there are caring people out there.

Carol O'Connor - Hastings

Hi John & Lynne

Thank you  for everything you have done, the flowers are wonderful & I know Bob will love eating the chocolates .

The extra service with the photos is truly appreciated, its  captures  Bob & Betty to a tee.

Their garden is amazing achievement for the short time they have lived there.

 Regards Liz & Phill

 Ps -  I hope your business keeps on expanding , as it is an extraordinary service, bringing good old fashion values back into client service  

(As a background to this letter - this couple live in Australia and were visiting friends in NZ.  John & Lynne drove them to the airport when they returned home. They asked if John & Lynne could buy some flowers and chocolates for their friends and deliver them and of course, John & Lynne did as they requested and as an extra took a photo of their friends with the gifts. They then emailed the couple in Australia with the photo.  Their reply was the letter above.)

Liz & Phil - Franklin

Ruth Day, of Driving Miss Daisy Wairarapa has been taking our mother out twice a week. She has been taking her to Church, shopping, on picnics to the park and out to restaurants for lunch!

Mum thinks she is great.  Ruth has a wonderful way with the elderly and is sympathetic and understanding of Mum's mental confusion and lack of sight.

It is great that Mum is getting out and having fun while she is able to, with someone who always goes the extra mile. As we are unable to do this on a regular basis, because we are very spread out geographically, it is wonderful that Ruth is there to fill the gap for us.

Marilyn Totman (Carterton), Scilla Ecuyer (Brisbane), Olivia Worboys (Wellington), Clare Harper-Lee (Northland)

'Driving Miss Daisy' is a new companion driving service in Nelson. Part of a nationwide franchise, it is a personalised, friendly transport service targeted at people with disabilities and/or the elderly. If you saw the movie of the same name, this service is in keeping with a more genteel kind of driving service.

Frances, the lead driver, is a former nurse and she will 'go the extra mile' for example, she will stop off and do a quick message/job en route to your destination.

You will get her as your driver most times so you know just who will be taking you to your destination and can form a trusting rapport.

The vehicle, a new Skoda, is very comfortable with leather seating.

The fares are slightly cheaper than the other taxi companies and DPA travel vouchers can be used for this Nelson service.

Andrea - Nelson

When I was unable to drive, ACC organised "Driving Miss Daisy" to take me to and from physio. What a great reliable service. Nic is very friendly and cheerful. She always opened and closed the car door for me (which is very difficult to do following back surgery). She always checked that the car seat back was in the right position for my back. The seats are very comfortable (like sitting on a dining room chair), which you need after back surgery. One day when it was raining, she walked me to my door, under an umbrella.

Tobi, Paekakariki

Hello Maura (Wellington City Franchise Owner)

Yesterday I was taken to Wellington Hospital for an appointment with my neurosurgeon by Louise.
I want to express my appreciation for the excellent service I received. I was picked up on time and, on arrival at the hospital, accompanied into the Out-patients Dept.
After my appointment, Louise came to fetch me and shepherded me safely home, despite the traffic chaos that followed a slip on the Hutt Road.
The help I had was especially important as I had had a fall at home during the morning and was feeling very unsteady.

Thank you again

Don Brooks, Wellington

Hi Kerry (Redwood/Harewood Franchise Owner)

I understand you have been in touch and visited my mother today.

Thank you soo much for being in touch with her - she is soo happy to have met you and it appears from chatting with her tonite you are just what she needs!!

I have heard so many favourable reports about your business and figured with me not living in the city of Ch Ch, and all that mum has been through since Sept with the quakes etc, this is just what she needs to help her through...

I am more than happy for you to call me and discuss any queries you may have however in the interium, please could you email me the details of when you visit and I can cover the cost of this for her. I don't want her to worry about the financial side of using this service and therefore if there are things you can do for her that she is unable to complete herself, then please do so and just send me the bill!! Dont let her worry about how often and how many hours you are there.....I would like her to have use of your services for as long as she needs to.

Social contact and exercise is something she is missing alot right now and there may well be days where she doesn't require you to do any tasks as such, just maybe be with her for a walk around the park/block/shops or maybe just potter around the house over a cup of tea. Either way, I would really appreciate any support you can offer her ...(as you may be aware she also has a gardener, home help for an hr a week, etc so between you all hopefully she will be ok!!!)

Once again, thank you so much for being there for her today - it really means a lot to me :-)

Regards

Daughter residing in Wellington of Mother residing in Christchurch

Last October I had an accident which damaged my shoulder and I am now not permitted to drive. Not long after the accident, and having been using taxis for a couple of weeks, I was told that Gilly had taken on the Hibiscus Coast Driving Miss Daisy franchise. I immediately checked with ACC who informed me that Gilly was on their list of transport providers.

Since that day I have not looked back. Gilly fetches and delivers me on Fridays for work and also takes me to my frequent physio and specialist appointments at North Shore Hospital.

Not being able to drive, after over 46 years behind the wheel, was not a happy thought. However, meeting Gilly has taken all that misery away. What a delightful experience each trip is. Gilly is so kind, gentle and caring, we chat for the duration of our trips and the Daisy car is comfortable with plenty of leg and headroom, (this is important when you're 6 foot tall) easy access and always, like its driver, so well presented. How could anyone feel miserable being driven around in such a cute vehicle by such a delightful person?

I can't recommend Gilly highly enough, and, when I am permitted to drive again, will definitely miss the service. Gilly is providing a vital role for me in getting me to appointments on time, but I can also see that as a means of getting out and about for an hour or two, for people who don't drive, this companion driving service is second to none. I can see myself never totally saying goodbye to Gilly, even when I'm (hopefully) back behind the wheel.

Pauline Southwick - Hibiscus Coast

I am a 94 year old widower and having had multiple hip replacements, my mobility is impaired.

Since the winter of 2010, I have, on a weekly basis, been taken on hour long drives.  Often it is to the beach at Pukerua Bay where, with plenty of help, I gather seaweed for my garden.

I enjoy my trips with my Miss Daisy driver and the cheerful help and company provided.

 

Alan Ferry - Raumati South

Another email to thank for the great services offered. I can only recommend highly Driving Miss Daisy (Kapiti) and have found them extremely professional and perfect for what my needs were. I am very glad ACC is using this service.

 

 

Jacqueline - Kapiti

Nic has been taking me to various appointments for nearly 12 months. Nic is very thoughtful, cheerful and goes out of her way to help as much as she can, even goes beyond. Could not do without her and hope I can use her for a long time to come.

 

Edna - Paraparaumu

In August of last year due to my elderly fathers failing eyesight and health it became necessary for him to cease driving his car. Approx three years prior to this my mother had been taken into a rest home and therefore my father had relied on his car to make frequent
visits to her at the rest home.
For him to continue these visits it became necessary to find alternative transport for him. As it was not possible to arrange for this frequent transport with the family we looked at alternative ways in which he could continue the visits. Rail or bus transport was ruled out due to my fathers deteriorating health. Taxi transport appeared to be the only other alternative, however,
the cost of this seemed prohibitive. An approach was made to ‘Age Concern' with a view to looking at the possibility of other means transport, but nothing was available at the time, except the possibility of reducing the taxi costs.

By coincidence, a few days after this I received a brochure in my mailbox advertising the ‘Driving Miss Daisy' service so I called them to get more information. A day later I received a telephone call from Elizabeth Brennan of Driving Miss Daisy at Botany and we discussed the possibility of her providing transport for my father. I discussed this option with my father and on his agreement it was arranged the Elizabeth would take him to visit my mother on three days per week. This arrangement has continued since then, my father is collected from home and taken to the rest home and after approximately two hour visit he is collected from the rest home and taken back home again.

Over the period that Elizabeth has been taking my father on the rest home visits he has become completely comfortable with the arrangement and he welcomes the fact that he is being driven by the same person who he has complete confidence in.

Thank goodness for the brochure through my mailbox.

I would highly recommend the Driving Miss Daisy service to anyone who has elderly relatives.

Graham Colledge - Botany

Steve & Kerry (Redwood, Chch) had a wonderful day out with Ngarita for her birthday.

"We wanted to take her somewhere special, so we took her up the Gondola on a beautiful sunny day where we had lunch and took a trip in the Time Tunnel. She had a big smile all day and even the Nurses back at the rest home notice how perky she was later that afternoon. Attached is a photo taken of the three of us which we have permission to use for our business".

 

Gail Ross

"I cannot always get time off when my friend has a hospital appointment or wants to go out on a shopping trip. It is wonderful to be able to ring up Kerry and the team at Driving Miss Daisy Redwood, and know she is in safe hands. They go way beyond the call of duty in ensuring their clients are taken care of, for example by staying with her during hospital appointments and bringing all the paperwork back to the Resthome for the nurses. Ngarita looks forward to her trips out with Driving Miss Daisy and I can highly recommend the service to anyone who has an elderly relative or friend".  

Gail Ross - Christchurch

I've known Lynda Moore of Driving Miss Daisy Upper Hutt for a number of years and when she told me she was purchasing this franchise I was delighted as Driving Miss Daisy is a much needed service. I also thought she would make an excellent franchise owner and over the last several months have been proven right. Lynda is just the right person for this as she has a caring nature and enjoys helping people.
As part of making people feel welcome in her cars Lynda has gone that extra mile and provided a seat cover for Guide Dogs. This can either go over the back seat or be folded and placed in the foot well so the dog can sit at the feet if the handler. My Guide Dog Hobbit loves travelling in the 'Daisy' cars and has learned to recognize them. I find it a pleasant experience using Driving Miss Daisy as I know we'll be looked after and that it's no trouble with a guide dog and either a manual wheelchair or walking frame.
There's plenty of room in the boot for both the wheelchair and walking frame.
Well done Lynda and may your business continue to be the success I've seen so far.
All the best.

Genevieve - Upper Hutt

Thank you to Isla (Havelock North Driver) for your personal help and concern for our daughter when she got really stressed about a problem. It was a kind and thoughtful thing she did for all of us. Thanks again for going the extra mile.

Kathy - Havelock North

Annette Miller has been with her Driving Miss Daisy "Elizabeth" of Botany for 4 months now. She looks forward to Elizabeth picking her up and taking her to the clubs that she attends twice a week. Annette can now be confident she will be greeted by the same person each week and know that her scheduled pick ups will drop her to her clubs on time. Driving Miss Daisy is much more than just a taxi service, Annette considers Elizabeth a friend and takes great delight in sharing baking with her on the days she is picked up. Driving Miss Daisy is about building relationships with each of their clients and making each of them feel special and confident to get out and about. Annette would recommend that anyone looking for a friendly face and reliable service gives Driving Miss Daisy a call.

Kylie (Annettes Niece) - Botany, Auckland

Lynda, just a short note to say how much I appreciated the punctuallity and personal assistance Driving Miss Daisy gives.  For example, getting out of the car to assist me to be able to get into it without discomfort or knocking my knee/leg (injury caused through a car accident) plus it was a pleasure to talk you.
Hope all goes well for the future.

Moira Church - Upper Hutt

Maura, of Wellington's Driving Miss Daisy, has helped me get used to walking in town next to the traffic and crossing roads. I suffer from a phobia and experience panic symptoms when exposed to heavy traffic, especially in wide roads and at big intersections.
Maura has met me in town once a week and has walked next to or behind me to help me get used to the "uncomfortable" areas. This has given me the confidence to do it on my own.
DMD is exactly the kind of adaptable service I was looking for, invaluable.

Lisa, Ngaio, Wellington

I've found that Driving Miss Daisy has been a caring, reliable taxi service for me with hospital, physio and Resthome visits to my husband.  I don't drive and am learning to walk properley after a major foot operation.  Extra care and help is given for older people to get in and out of the taxi.

Joy, Petone

Thank you to you and your team for the caring help I received when I was unwell. I would recommend your team to any one and in fact have done so.
See you all again,
Catriona

Catriona, Havelock North

My father, who is 84 and has lost his licence, could not get by without the wonderful, caring services of Driving Miss Daisy, Havelock North. I just ring them up and they deliver Dad to the hospital or my house or his snooker club. They know him by name and he is very comfortable travelling with them.

Barb, Havelock North

With my mother having no family living in New Zealand the services of Driving Miss Daisy Upper Hutt have enabled her to do the basic duties of banking and minor shopping without feeling a burden on other people.   Not only has Driving Miss Daisy helped my mother, it has given her family overseas great peace of mind.

 

Trudy, Melbourne

I'm finding I want to be more independent, then by chance I found out about Melanie and Driving Miss Daisy.

I needed to get to the airport, but hiring a taxi was out of the question due to cost, so I tried her service. She arrived promptly with a lovely smile, and was helpful with my luggage. There was no rush or panic, and her confidence made me feel all was well! Because of her efficiency and caring manner I arrived at the airport looking forward to the adventure of my travel.

Melanie is caring, likeable and approachable.

Mrs Scott, Havelock North

Melanie always greets me with a happy welcoming smile. She helps me with my wheelchair and puts it in the car, remembering to close the door for me! She has taken me to the doctor, to town and art days.

I have always found Driving Miss Daisy to be on time and reliable with considered communication about arrangements for my return home.

Deirdre, Havelock North

As a client of Melanie's I can fully recommend it. I was driven to Napier to attend a school reunion and was helped into the comfortable, late model car. I felt secure knowing that Melanie is a safe, efficient driver.

When my husband and I planned a flight to Auckland Melanie called for us, cheerfully helping with luggage both at home and at the airport, saving us any stress. We couldn't have wished for better service at such a competitive price.

Phyllis, Havelock North