Many seniors choose to age in place, which can be good for their overall well-being. However, if you notice signs that your loved one should stop driving, you may be worried about them aging in place. There comes a time in someone’s life when they may have to give up the keys to their car. But how do you know it’s time and what the best ways to approach the subject are? Here are some things to look for when trying to understand when it’s the right time and some ways you can approach the subject.
Look for Signs
If you see your senior loved one a few times a week, you may need to check out their car as you go in. If you notice bumps or new scrapes on the car, that could be a sign that your loved one needs to stop driving. Other signs include:
- Parking tickets
- Speeding tickets
- Complaints from neighbors
- Eyesight problems
- Hearing problems
Keep in mind there may be more signs your loved one needs to stop driving it is going to greatly depend on the person. Some seniors may never get tickets but know they have eyesight issues. When their hearing or sight starts to go, it can be dangerous for them to get behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, many seniors are not always happy about giving up their keys because driving is a source of freedom for them. You may need a plan to approach the subject and have offers or transportation ready to go.
Hire Home Care Assistance
One of the best things you can do when you know it’s time to ask your loved one to give up driving is to hire a home caregiver in advance. Professional home care assistance will help your loved one age in place and ensure that your senior mom or dad has transportation. Home care assistance may be able to give your loved one rides or help them call a taxi or other forms of transportation. They can ensure your senior mom or dad has a way to get to all of their appointments. When you have options for your senior loved one before you ask them to give up their keys, it can be an easier idea to accept, and it can help the transition go a lot smoother.
Talk About It With Kindness
It can be easy to point out why someone should not be driving, but no matter what happens, you must do so with kindness. It can be easy to become snarky or accusatory when talking about your seniors driving. They may also not want to give up this area of their life because it feels like losing control or getting “too” old. You need to approach this subject with an open mind and kind heart. Understanding where your loved one is coming from and seeing their side of things will help you find a solution much faster.
Ask What Your Loved One Prefers
You may find that after talking to your senior mom or dad, they have a preference when it comes to transportation. They may understand they must give up their car but feel like they can’t. They may prefer family members to give them rides to their doctor’s appointments, or they may prefer home care. You need to understand their preference and consider that when looking at their care plan.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care assistance in Flowery Branch, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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