It’s a hard conversation to have with a senior when driving becomes scary or even dangerous. If seniors are exhibiting some warning signs about their driving, it’s likely time for home care assistance to take over driving duties. But it’s important how family caregivers approach this whole topic.
Watch for Warning Signs
Family caregivers can often start to feel protective of the seniors they love. But jumping to conclusions and trying to stop seniors from driving too soon is a mistake. It’s important to watch for warning signs that driving might not be safe. Some of the warning signs include:
- Missing traffic signs or signals
- Getting lost on familiar roads
- Cutting off other drivers often
- Not staying on the roadway
- Appearing inattentive behind the wheel
- Becoming angry or frustrated easily while driving
- Racking up tickets or accidents
If seniors are exhibiting these signs, then it’s time to talk about whether continuing to drive is a safe thing to do.
Start the Conversation Carefully
One of the most important things to remember is that this conversation is not one to have while the senior is driving. Starting the conversation then is just going to make the problem worse and might cause them to avoid the conversation in the future. Set aside a time when everyone can calmly talk about what’s happening.
Avoid Blame and Shame
Also, make sure to avoid blaming and shaming seniors about their driving. No one likes to feel criticized or as if their actions are put under a microscope. Try to remember that seniors are just trying to remain independent and preserve the lifestyle that they’ve had to this point. They’re often scared of the future and worried about what a big change like no longer driving is going to mean for them.
Expect Defensive Responses
That said, their first responses to the idea that they quit driving is likely to be negative and highly defensive. It can help if family caregivers put themselves in their seniors’ shoes and imagine how it would feel to be on the other side of this conversation. Try to stick to the facts and stay relaxed and supportive. It’s also important to come to the conversation with some suggestions.
Put Solutions in Place from the Start
Bringing solutions to the table from the start can help seniors to feel less attacked and less like they’re going to be stuck at home forever. Home care assistance is a tremendous solution for seniors who are no longer safe to drive on their own. Elder care providers take over the driving and ensure that seniors are as safe as possible while still enjoying freedom of movement to wherever they need and want to go. Offering this answer from the beginning can help to reduce feelings of frustration and anger that seniors might have otherwise led their response with.
Giving up driving is not an easy thing to ask seniors to do. Home care assistance can make this decision much easier for them and as an added benefit, caregivers can help with a variety of other tasks, too. As seniors adapt to their new normal, they may find that they enjoy no longer having to worry about being the driver.
If you are considering home care assistance in The Heights, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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