Tough Conversations: When Is It Time For Seniors To Stop Driving?
Right at Home-Alabama
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Aug 06, 2024
Alabama - Gulf Coast
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Tough Conversations: When Is It Time for Seniors To Stop Driving?
Driving is more
than just a mode of transportation; it’s a symbol of independence that many
cherish. However, as we age, it becomes crucial to recognize when driving may
no longer be safe. The decision to stop driving is significant and depends on a
person’s ability rather than age. The decision can be influenced by a gradual
change in ability or a sudden shift due to illness or other factors.
Typical changes caused by aging often affect driving abilities. For example, changes in depth perception are very normal as we age. And many people lose the flexibility that allows them to, for example, turn their head quickly to check the roadway. Others may find their reaction time slowing down. None of these changes are about the person—they are strictly about the aging body.
How do we know
when it’s time to stop driving or for our older loved one to stop? Asking this
question gets to the heart of the matter: Is it better to keep society safe or
for this person to continue driving? Whether you’re answering that question for
yourself or asking your loved one about their driving, it will help guide the
thought process and the conversation. Here are some more tips.
Thinking About One’s Own Driving Abilities
For some
seniors, the realization that it’s time to hang up the keys comes from
self-awareness of their diminishing driving skills. Recognizing signs like
difficulty seeing at night can lead to voluntary decisions to limit driving.
Many older adults choose to start making changes by avoiding nighttime driving
or busy highways. They might also limit themselves to familiar routes or
shorter trips, using alternatives for longer distances.
Self-regulation is a smart way to stay safe while keeping some independence and a feeling of control. It also makes it easier for seniors to get used to other ways of getting around besides driving.
Starting the Conversation With an Older Loved One
Talking to an
older loved one about reducing or stopping their driving can be very
challenging and should be planned with care. If someone were to tell you that
you should stop driving, your natural reaction would likely be that you are
losing your independence, and you might become defensive about the issue. You
might worry about becoming dependent on others to do the things you want and
need to do, and when. After decades of driving, the conversation probably
wouldn’t sit well with you.
A gentle way to start this dialogue with an older loved one is by asking reflective questions that encourage self-assessment. You might ask them, “Would you feel comfortable driving your grandchild?” Such questions can help older adults realize the potential risks without feeling pressured. Other questions can focus on the car rather than the person. Ask questions about dents or scratches not by asking, “How did you do that?” but rather, “How did that happen?” or even “Can I help you arrange to get that fixed?”
Right at Home’s RightConversations guide can be an invaluable resource for approaching this sensitive subject. It provides structured advice on how to have important discussions like this without causing offense or distress.
Exploring Alternative Transportation Options
Bear in mind
that you do want to encourage your older loved one to keep getting out of the
house. Losing the ability to drive can have disastrous effects on the social
connections and activities we all need for our mental health.
Fortunately, giving up driving doesn’t mean giving up mobility. Seniors have various alternatives to driving themselves:
Public transportation: Buses, trains, and subways can be excellent options for
seniors, especially in cities with robust transit systems.
Community senior services: Many communities offer shuttle services
specifically for seniors, which can be a convenient and safe way to get around.
Ride-hailing services and
taxis: Services like
Uber and Lyft offer convenient, door-to-door service at many locations.
Family and friends: They are often more than willing to
help by providing rides, especially for important appointments or events.
Walking: If health permits and distances are manageable, walking is both practical and healthy.
The transition
from driving can be challenging, but it opens up new opportunities to explore
different and potentially rewarding modes of transport. With the right approach
and support, older adults can navigate this change smoothly, maintaining their
independence and safety.
· Right at Home offers a wide range of services to help seniors remain independent. This includes transportation to appointments, leisure outings, and running errands. Other services include a myriad of homemaking/companion and personal care services. Contact Right at Home in Alabama at 251-459-8672 for more information.
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