Addressing Driving Issues

Letting your senior continue to drive without talking about driving, how she feels about driving, and her safety is not the best choice you could make. It’s really important to have open, honest conversations about driving so that you can help her to find alternatives when that time arrives.

Be on the Lookout for Vehicle Damage

If you’re not already familiar with whether your senior’s car has existing damage or not, you might want to take a quick walk around the car. Make note of where you already see damage, including scuffs and dings. Take the time to walk around the car every week or so as well, so you can compare. Marks that look as if they’re a result of parking lot damage might not be an issue, but other problems, like dents in the bumper, could mean that your senior is bumping into objects.

Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles

Check with your Department of Motor Vehicles about obtaining your senior’s driving record. In some states you may need to have a power of attorney in order to get this information. In others, it’s enough for you to be your senior’s caregiver. Her driving record can let you know if she’s been involved in accidents or if she’s been pulled over by law enforcement.

Talk to Your Senior about Driving

What you’ve done up to now involves gathering information. You need to do this before you try talking to your elderly family member about whether you feel she should give up driving or not. Keep in mind that driving might be a source of independence for your elderly family member. The idea of giving up that independence might not sit well with her at all.

Work out Some Alternatives

If you bring alternative transportation ideas to your elderly family member, she might be more amenable to the idea of sliding out of the driver’s seat. For instance, home care providers are an excellent choice for taking over the driving. They understand your senior’s needs and they can ensure that she’s safe and that she gets everywhere that she wants to go.

How you approach the issue of driving with your aging family member matters a lot. If you’re argumentative or saying things in a way that causes her to be defensive, you might not get as far as you hope. Tread carefully and make sure that you’re paying attention to what she’s saying and to what she’s leaving unsaid.

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CARE IN JOHNSTON, IA, FOR AN ELDERLY LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!