Driving incidents can be risky for our aging loved ones when they are on the wheels. However, discouraging them from driving may result in unhealthy arguments or self-confidence issues. For most of us who depend on our driving skills to carry out our daily tasks, not being able to drive can be a life-changing experience. This experience can be a difficult truth to accept for our aging family members.
How do we discuss unsafe driving without necessarily resulting in a conflict? As your partner in quality and safe Home Care Services in California, here are our recommendations:
- Stay Respectful
Let’s keep in mind that our elderly loved ones deserve our unconditional respect because they have been ahead of us in life. Let’s take this respect when we discuss with them important matters that entail great changes in their regular activities. Make sure to ask them the best time to discuss about this matter that has been in your thoughts lately. - Express Care
When you need to discuss unsafe driving, always enclose it in the premise of your care and concern for them. If you are their primary caregiver, you can have more bearing in influencing them about not driving anymore. It will be helpful for them to see and know first that you care for them in other matters so they will know that your intent on driving issues is still for their safety. - Grab Opportunities
Take every opportunity you can find to discuss unsafe driving, such as when you see TV reports of unsafe driving. However, ensure that you still talk about the matter in a way that is not disrespectful of your loved one. - Recommend Help
Because your loved one still needs to carry out errands and travels, you can volunteer to drive for them or arrange for a Non-Emergency Transportation provider’s assistance. When your loved one is assured that their outdoor activities are not hampered by transportation issues, driving topics can be a welcome discussion. - Ask the Doctor
You may also seek the doctor’s intervention. Arrange for your loved one to get a routine physical checkup to verify if they are still physically fit to drive. Talk with the doctor about the possibility of prescribing unsafe driving to your loved one when there are sure signs that driving is no longer advisable for your aging loved one. - Be Firm but Gentle
Whenever it becomes clear that your loved one’s safety is at risk due to their driving insistence, you need to exercise firmness on the decision. However, be gentle in exercising your firmness so that they can be encouraged to comply.
As your partner in quality Non-Medical Home Care in San Jose, California, we help you ensure the safety and wellbeing of your loved one whether indoors or outdoors. If you need further assistance on caring for them, ask us at Boundless Care, Inc. We’ll be glad to help you out.