Caring for Parents Who Are No Longer Able to Drive
How To Care For Parents Who Are No Longer Able to Drive
The need for caring for parents who are no longer able to drive is very important, The duty of caring for an aging parent can sneak up on you at times. Even if your parent does not live with you or rely on you for daily assistance (yet), you may notice that their ability to execute routine tasks is deteriorating. At this time, it’s critical to act and do what’s best for your parents.
Identifying Your Parent’s Driving Capability
Because safe driving necessitates alertness, complex cognitive function, and quick reaction time, your parents’ ability to safely transport themselves may deteriorate as they grow older. It is critical for their health and safety that you keep an eye out for the following symptoms of dangerous driving:
- Their car has dings, dents, and scrapes.
- They can’t explain or recollect car damage.
- Several traffic citations
- Parking jobs that are uncharacteristically bad
- Running up against curbs, medians, and other obstacles.
- Coming perilously close to crashing with mailboxes, signs, and other vehicles, among other things.
- Mood or behavior changes while driving, such as increased hostility, disorientation, or anxiety
- Near-collisions and near-accidents are common.
- Their motor insurance was canceled due to several traffic violations.
➡️Consider The 20 Safety Tips for Driving
Consider whether your parent is no longer a safe driver if you’ve noticed any of the aforementioned habits. It may be difficult to face the truth, but ignoring it could prove fatal for your parent and others on the road. You must take action if you learn your parent is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.
How to Start a Difficult Driving Conversation
Even though it is obvious to you and everyone else that your parent should not be driving, you may have difficulty persuading them. Breaking the subject in any way can lead to a fight. However, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to ensure a constructive and effective discussion:
- Taking multiple ride-alongs with your parents and attentively watching their driving habits
- Make a plan to bring it up on a specific date and time. (Ideal situations are those in which you will have time and space to be alone with your parent.)
- Instead of accusatory “you” comments (e.g., “You aren’t a safe driver anymore.”), practice expressing your worries with “I” statements (e.g., “I am concerned about your safety.”).
- Gathering support from friends and family members in advance to persuade your parent that they have the assistance they require to remain mobile, active, and safe
Bring a Caregiver to Assist Parents Who Are No longer able to drive
For aging parents and their adult children, companion caregivers are a wonderful resource. Many adults are averse to giving up their driving privileges because they fear loneliness, boredom, and being confined to their homes. You open up a world of opportunity for your parent by bringing in a loving, skilled caretaker, allowing them to be as mobile, social, and busy as they want to be. If a partner is on the horizon, your elderly relative may be more willing to hand over the keys.
Must Know: When To Hire A Caregiver For The Elderly?
Families in Philadelphia can benefit from in-home care.
Our Home Care Support is honored to assist Parents who are no longer able to drive around Philadelphia. Our purpose is to provide your loved ones with the comfort, security, and better quality of life they deserve by providing compassionate service and home care expertise. We are here to help whether your loved one requires hands-on support, private nursing, a companion caregiver, or everything in between.
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To talk with one of our professional, pleasant staff members, call (610) 765-0497 today. You can also make a care request to let us know how we can best help you and your loved one.