Caregivers in Largo FL
Giving up her ability to drive is a huge transition for your elderly loved one. Some loved ones may handle this transition well, but others may have much greater difficulty.
Make Sure there Are Plenty of Transportation Options for Her
The first step to making the transition to passenger for your elderly loved one is to make sure that she has plenty of different options for her transportation needs. Set up a calendar with friends and other family members to offer rides for your loved one. Another option is to hire senior care providers for your elderly loved one or even set up an account with a car service.
Be Proactive about Errands and Situations that Might Cause Your Loved One to Want to Drive
Another important factor to consider is that the more likely your loved one is to have a need to go somewhere, the more likely she is going to be to want to drive herself. If you can take care of most errands and other situations for her proactively, you can help to reduce that urge to hop into the driver’s seat.
Stick to Your Guns about the Driving Decision
Something else you might run into is guilt or waffling on your own part. If you don’t stick to your guns, your loved one is going to know that she can bully you or guilt you into allowing her to drive herself. You may have to go so far as hiding your loved one’s car keys, disabling the vehicle temporarily, or even relocating or selling the vehicle in order to keep your loved one from driving.
Try to Be Understanding about Your Loved One’s Frustrations
Finally, it’s important to try as much as you can to understand that this is an extremely frustrating time for your elderly loved one. She’s likely been driving herself wherever she needs to go for more than a few decades and losing her ability to drive is a huge blow to her independence. Remember this when she lashes out in frustration or anger.
No longer having the option to drive for herself can be a huge shock for your elderly loved one. Do what you can to make the situation as easy for her as you can.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring In-Home Caregivers in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
