How to Help Your Senior Loved One to Drive Less
Your senior loved one may feel bad after realizing he or she isn’t allowed to drive a car anymore. Safety is crucial than anything else. Many aging adults may be at risk when driving their car alone or in a busy route. Here are a few tips to make your loved one understand why he or she needs to drive less.
Start the Conversation If His or Her Driving Concerns YouYou can bring up the topic in a polite way, but keep your point clear. Avoid showing anger toward your aging loved one. Discuss the dangers of driving in detail by making the conversation longer. Ask relevant questions and let your loved one know you care about his or her safety.
Minimize the Reasons to DriveYour senior loved one may find it difficult to give up driving because you are concerned about his or her safety. Suggest alternatives so he or she may enjoy independence while running errands or shopping. Many stores offer home delivery and you can also help your loved one buy groceries with you.
Create Driving AlternativesSeniors need transportation to visit the hospital, get groceries, or attend events. Several public transports accommodate senior and offer them discount, which may encourage them to avoid driving. If your aging loved one is living with limited mobility suggest him or her to take a cab or ask family members to take your loved one to run errands. You can also hire professional caregivers from a reliable Las Vegas NV home care agency. You can also help your loved one if your live with him or her or nearby. This will also promote positive and constructive interactions.
Ensure Your Loved One’s SafetyWith extra precautions, many seniors can easily drive. If your loved ne has vision impairment or any other health condition, ask him or her to avoid driving at dawn, dusk, and night. During these times light is low and the chances of accidents are high. Rush hour and heavy traffic can also cause anxiety in seniors. Ask your loved one to drive during daytime and keep you informed about his or her destined location.
Discuss Age-Related Effects and HazardsSenior who have vision or hearing problems may find it difficult to drive. Disabilities or health conditions may lead to fatal accidents on roads. Inform your loved one about the hazards of rush hour, and suggest him or her to avoid distraction. If he or she feels sleepy, lethargic, or dizzy all the time, ash him or her to stop driving.
Conduct an Evaluation from a ProfessionalYou can always take a second opinion from a friend, family member, neighbor, or professional driver to check your loved one’s driving skills. Ask him or hr to give a driver’s test to ensure the skills or fine. There are several other reasons that may affect the driving capabilities and make seniors give up driving. It may include feeling nervous or anxious in traffic and driving at inappropriate speed.