As you watch your parents age, your roles start to reverse. Instead of having to follow the rules and restrictions that your parents set to keep you safe, you often find yourself having conversations about what is no longer safe for your parents to do as they encounter physical and mental challenges. One area that might require a difficult conversation is driving. Vision and hearing impairments can make it difficult to perceive and react to changing road conditions or obstacles. Cognitive decline can lead to slower reflexes and directional confusion, making it easier for seniors to get lost, even in familiar places. These factors can make driving a safety concern, not only for them, but also for other drivers and pedestrians.
Watch for these signs to tell if your aging loved one is unsafe on the road:
- signaling incorrectly
- changing lanes improperly
- difficulty parking
- stopping inappropriately in traffic
- confusing the brake and gas pedals
- hitting curbs
- reacting slowly to traffic situations
- getting lost in familiar places
- scrapes or dents on car, house, garage, etc.
- traffic violations
Addressing the Dangers
While impaired driving can be a danger, it is often difficult for seniors to admit that they are no longer safe on the road. Getting your driver’s license as a teenager or young adult is a sign of maturity and independence. Having that taken away can make seniors feel demeaned and infantilized. It is difficult to make the transition to dependence on others every time you want to get out of the house. The loss of driving ability often means the loss of a certain way of life. All of these factors make the conversation about an aging loved one’s driving ability very personal and emotional.
Involving a care manager can remove some of the emotion from the situation. Our care managers have worked with others in this situation and know the difficulties involved. We can help arrange alternative transportation, showing your parent that they will still be able to do the things that they want to do, even without a car. Our care managers can also provide support for both your parent and family caregivers during the transition to the new lifestyle.
For more caregiving support and aging assistance, reach out to Infinity Care Solutions today!
Read more about aging care:
Finding the Positive When All the News Is Negative
Caring From Afar: Gerard’s Family Needed Local Support
Holistic Care Throughout Recovery: The Value of an Aging Life Care Manager®
Recent Comments