Driving is a privilege and not one many seniors want to give up. After all, a vehicle is a reliable means of transportation and a symbol of independence. But driving becomes riskier as people age. Here’s when adult children are advised to discuss driving with their aging parents.

Older parents stay active and engaged with their communities by driving to social events, the senior center, and friends’ houses. Driving is an important means of traveling to the grocery store and other local destinations, like the doctor’s office and pharmacy.

Although driving represents independence and control, seniors’ ability to safely operate a vehicle may decline with age. Changes to an older person’s physical or cognitive abilities pose as obstacles to safe driving. Driving appears to be an easy skill, but it involves a complex set of functions.

Many aging people are aware of the changes to their physical and cognitive abilities. As a result, they are more likely to be proactive and alter their driving habits, such as by avoiding driving at night, limiting where they drive, and choosing to drive less often in general.

But other seniors are reluctant to give up the keys. Their obstinance may come from a fear of losing their independence or lacking knowledge of other ways to get around town. Adult children should step in when they become concerned about their parents’ driving and offer alternatives.

When should adult children discuss their parents’ driving?

1. Observe Driving Habits

Concerns are likely to arise when adult children notice dings or scratches on the aging parent’s car. Observing the senior’s risky driving habits may prompt families to ask if they still feel confident about driving, especially with their grandchildren in the backseat.

Before broaching the topic of driving with an elderly parent, families should gather information. Adult children might request info from friends, other family members, or even neighbors who have an opportunity to notice the driving habits of the older adult. Seeing the full picture takes time.

Adult children make these observations by riding in the car with the elderly parent or following the senior in their own vehicle. Pay attention to how safely the senior merges, whether they stop at red lights or make full stops at stop signs. The older driver should yield appropriately, too.

Families should watch to see if the senior responds properly to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists. Older drivers must stay in their lane when turning or driving straight. They must not drive too fast under adverse road conditions or get lost on familiar routes.

Observe the aging parent during different times of the day, in various weather conditions and in heavy and light traffic to obtain a clear picture of their ability to drive safely. Adult children will gain an understanding of what the senior can and cannot do well while operating the vehicle.

It’s important for adult children to know that driving fitness is not about age but personal ability. Some seniors remain healthy and cognitively functional well into their golden years while others decline more rapidly. The collected information mentioned above, however, provides details on individual skills.

2. Offer Acknowledgement

Once solid information is gathered, adult children should gently bring up the topic of driving. Elderly parents are more likely to reconsider their driving decisions when families present objective evidence. Be sure to acknowledge how difficult it is to give up driving.

3. Use a Collaborative Approach

Aging parents are more likely to heed the advice of a professional, such as a physician, rather than their adult children. If their doctor warns that a health condition makes driving exceptionally risky, seniors may independently make the decision to give up the keys or change their driving habits.

If the senior is recently diagnosed with a condition that affects their driving, such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease, it is no longer safe for them to drive. Parkinson’s disease, for example, causes a loss of coordination and balance, while a stroke leads to limitations in movement.

4. Consider Modifications

Adult children should remember that their parents do not necessarily have to completely stop driving on their own. Adaptive equipment is available to improve an aging driver’s capabilities. For instance, special hand controls operate the vehicle’s accelerator, brake, and steering systems.

Or, if the senior takes afternoon medications that cause drowsiness, they may opt to limit their driving to morning hours. Similarly, vision problems can motivate the elderly to stick to familiar routes or drive strictly in the daytime to avoid the glare of nighttime headlights.

5. Respect the Parent’s Decision

Upon talking to an aging parent about driving, it’s critical to respect the senior’s ability to make their own decisions. Seniors want to hear feedback from people they trust, but they aim to maintain control over their own lives. Consider a collaborative approach to help them make informed decisions.

Senior Home Care from Assisting Hands

When your elderly parents choose to alter their driving habits or give up driving altogether, know they still have options. Transportation is among the many key in-home care responsibilities of the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care.

Our professionals provide safe transportation and escort to medical clinics, therapists’ offices, pharmacies, as well as for social activities, movies, and visits to friends and family. Convenient services like these allow the elderly to remain active in their communities. Our care duties go further with medication reminders, light housekeeping, and grocery shopping.

Included in our senior home care services is compassionate companion care, which prevents loneliness, boredom, and social isolation. Caregivers hold pleasant conversations, join seniors in hobbies or recreational activities they enjoy, play stimulating games and puzzles, and take them on outings.

Companion care from Assisting Hands Home Care is a vital component of seniors’ everyday lives. Our comprehensive approach to senior home care keeps the elderly comfortable, healthy, and safe. Call us at (630) 634-9316 to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about our quality senior care in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Lisle,  Wheaton, and the surrounding areas.