There are approximately 33 million adults over the age of 65 throughout the United States who are still licensed to drive. Experts point out that this number is only set to increase over the coming years as longer life expectancies mean that the aging population is growing rapidly. While many of these seniors are capable of driving safely and effectively throughout their lives, there are many challenges and limitations that elderly adults face that can make it so that they are no longer able to handle this task properly. As a family caregiver, it is your responsibility to not only identify when they might be dealing with this, but also be there to talk to them about it and help them to ease into a new chapter of not driving.
This can be an extremely sensitive topic and it is important that you approach it in a way that will get across its significance while also respecting your parent’s feelings.
Use these tips to help you talk to your parent about no longer driving:
- Be sensitive. Stop for a moment and think about how you would feel if you were suddenly not able to drive. Even if you didn’t have the responsibilities such as caring for children or going to work that you might think of immediately when it comes to your need to drive, consider the emotional impact of knowing that you could not just get in the car and go somewhere that you need or want to go. This can be very overwhelming and leave you feeling less independent and capable of controlling your own life. Keep this in mind when you are preparing to talk to your parent about no longer driving .
- Be clear about your concerns. When you go to talk to your parent about not driving any longer, be prepared to give them clear, detailed, and specific reasons that you are concerned about them and their driving ability. Do not just say that you think that they are at the age when they should no longer be driving or that you think that they should let you take care of things for them. Instead, talk about the signs that you have seen that indicate that driving is no longer safe for them.
- Be positive. Thinking about no longer being able to drive can be extremely difficult for your senior and leave them feeling as though they are no longer able to live the lifestyle that they desire. When you are talking to them, remember to be as positive as possible. Acknowledge what they are feeling, but reassure them that you will be there to make sure that they can do the things that they want and need to do. This is also a fantastic time to talk about the possibility of hiring elder care for your senior so that they can provide safe and reliable transportation for your parent throughout their later years when they are no longer able to do the driving themselves.
Starting elder care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for your elderly family member throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. Being a family caregiver means that you want to make sure that their needs and challenges are met effectively, while being an adult child means that you want your senior to live the highest quality of life possible as they age in place. The highly personalized services of an elderly home care services provider can help you to achieve both goals. These services are designed specifically to address your parent’s limitations and challenges while also helping them to pursue a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, and independent as they can throughout their later years. By understanding your parent’s needs and their individuality, this care provider gives them the support, care, and assistance that they need to stay happy, healthy, safe, and comfortable, for a lifestyle that is fulfilling and right for your senior.
If you or a family member are in need of elder care in Coral Springs, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
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