How to Discuss Unsafe Driving with Your Aging Parent

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How to Talk with Senior Loved Ones about Their Unsafe Driving in Edmonton, AB

Getting a driver’s licence is one of those rites of passage a person never forgets. However, the other side of this big leap toward independence is that many people will one day have to hand over their keys. Seniors often develop health issues that make it unsafe for them to drive, and the best time to tackle this topic is before they have serious accidents. Using these strategies during your discussion makes it more likely that you’ll find a positive solution for your senior loved one’s transportation needs.

Pick a Good Time to Talk

If you’ve already had some challenging conversations with your loved one, you likely already know when he or she is in a good mood. Whether your loved one is able to focus better in the morning or prefers making decisions after lunch, follow his or her lead. This is also a conversation that might work best in a place where you have some privacy, and you may prefer to keep it a one-on-one discussion at first. Later, you can have a physician or other family member follow up.

Use Related Health Issues as a Springboard

Bringing up a potentially hot topic is often the most difficult part of this conversation. You can make this easier by asking how your parent’s vision or hearing loss is impacting the ability to handle daily routines. Or you might ask if your loved one has had difficulty remembering where he or she parked. Turning this into a health issue makes it clear your loved one’s driving challenges aren’t his or her fault.

Driving may not be the only safety concern you have about your parent, and you may find extra peace of mind by hiring a professional caregiver. Families looking for top-rated home care service providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Focus on the Facts

Sticking to the things you’ve physically noticed keeps the blame off your parent. Telling your loved one he or she is a terrible driver will only make him or her more defensive. Instead, use statements based on indisputable facts. Mentioning you’re worried because your parent has had three accidents in a six-month period will go further than simply saying he or she can’t drive well anymore.

Be Ready with Transportation Solutions

Seniors who are hesitant to give up their keys often argue they need to drive because of the many places they need to get to each week. This is when you can bring up safer options for transportation near your loved one’s home. For instance, your parent might be able to ride a bus to a nearby city instead of driving long distances.

Even if your loved one has to give up driving, he or she can still enjoy a high level of independence. Edmonton at-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Find Ways to Make Hanging Up the Keys Easier

Some seniors need more assistance with transportation than they can find using public sources. Arranging for senior transportation services from a professional caregiver makes giving up the keys easier, and your loved one might like having his or her own personal chauffeur. You can also bring up the fact that your loved one can call friends, scroll through social media, and do other more enjoyable things when he or she doesn’t have to worry about driving anymore.

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Edmonton seniors can depend on. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.

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