It’s never easy to determine when exactly is the right time for your senior to stop driving. There’s always the fear that you’re pushing for change too soon, but how can you know? There are some details for you to pay attention to that can help you with this decision.
There Are Usually Warning Signs
One of the misconceptions you might be under could be that there’s no way to know for sure when your senior is truly ready to quit driving. But the reality is that there are warning signs of some type. The key is to pay attention to what’s going on so that you’re seeing those signs. Gather information, make sure you’re dealing with facts instead of guesses, and don’t avoid the topic.
Her Overall Health Is a Big Indicator
Possibly the biggest sign is your senior’s health. If her health is suffering, she’s likely having trouble making decisions and she may be physically unable to drive, either temporarily or more permanently. Pay close attention to medications, especially side effects, so that you can determine whether those could be having an impact on your elderly family member’s ability to drive.
See What She Has to Say
If your elderly family member is willing to talk, set aside time to have a conversation. You want to approach the topic carefully, but you also need to both be open and honest. If your senior is feeling more defensive than open about this topic, you’re going to have to tread even more carefully. The defensiveness is related to not wanting to lose her independence, so it’s going to be important to develop a plan together.
The Car Tells its Own Story
There’s another source of information, though. The car that your elderly family member drives is going to be able to clue you in, too. If you don’t pay much attention to the car, it might be time for you to do a bit of an assessment. Make note of any damage to the car itself. Set aside some time on a regular basis to take another look at the car. What you’re looking for are any changes that are obvious to you. Damage can mean that your elderly family member’s driving is not as trouble free as she might want you to believe.
When it’s time for your elderly family member to turn in her keys, make sure you’ve got a plan. Having another option, like bringing in elder care providers to do the driving, is going to be more helpful than you realize.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Seminole, 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.
