Obtaining a driver’s license is one of those life experiences that one never forgets. However, the other side of this huge step toward freedom is that many individuals will have to give up their keys one day. Seniors often have health conditions that make driving risky for them, and the ideal time to address this issue is before they have catastrophic accidents.
Your loved one may not want to give up driving, because it helps them feel like they are still independent. You will need to assure them there are other ways to get around, and there are professionals like home care who can help them. Using these tactics throughout your conversation increases the likelihood of finding a satisfactory solution for your senior loved one’s transportation requirements.
Choose The Timing Appropriately
You probably already know when your loved one is in a good mood, if you’ve had any difficult chats with him or her. Follow your loved one’s lead, whether he or she likes to make choices in the morning or after lunch. This is also a talk that could work best in a private setting, and you might wish to keep it one-on-one at first. You may have a doctor or another family member follow up later.
Choose One Issue or Topic as a Springboard
Bringing up a potentially contentious subject is often the most challenging element of this talk. You may help by inquiring how your parent’s eyesight or hearing loss affects their ability to conduct everyday tasks. You might also inquire if your loved one has had problems remembering where he or she parked. Making this a health condition makes it apparent that your loved one’s driving difficulties are not their fault. If you need help convincing them to give up driving, mention hiring a home care specialist to help around the house or finding the right transportation care for them.
Keep on Topic and Stick To The Facts
Sticking to what you’ve physically seen takes the blame off your parents. Telling a loved one that he or she is a bad driver will simply make him or her defensive. Use assertions based on undeniable facts instead. Mentioning that you’re concerned because your parent has had three accidents in the last six months will go farther than just stating that he or she can’t drive properly any more.
Think of Solutions Beforehand
Seniors unwilling to give up their keys sometimes say they need to drive, since they have so many places to go each week. This is when you may suggest safer transportation choices near your loved one’s house. For example, instead of driving vast miles, your mom may take the bus to a neighboring city.
Find Ways to Make This Lifestyle Choice Easier
Some seniors need more transportation help than they can obtain via public transit. Arranging for senior transportation services from a professional caregiver eases the transition of handing over the keys, and your loved one may enjoy having his or her own personal driver. You might also mention that your loved one will be free to phone friends, surf through social media, and do other more fun activities now that he or she is no longer required to drive.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Jacksonville, FL, please contact the caring staff at Companion & Compassion today. 904-502-9052
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