There may come a time in a senior’s life that he or she is no longer able to drive safely. The unfortunate part is that more often than not, they are not ready to admit it. It is usually up to the in-home caregiver to break the news to them. As devastating as the news is to hear, if it is approached the right way, it can be less stressful than expected.
Speak Gently
Before you broach the subject of eliminating driving from your relative’s life, think about your approach. You don’t want to sound demeaning or demanding. You want the decision to be one that you and your parent or loved one makes together. Gently talk about their driving habits lately, making sure to mention any mishaps that might have occurred that has led you to this conversation.
Be Reassuring
Always ensure your loved one that you have their safety as your utmost concern. You should also reassure them that they will not lose their independence because they cannot drive. There are many other ways to exert independence without putting themselves at risk behind the wheel. If becoming a burden on family members is just too much to handle, discuss the option of bringing in a professional in-home caregiver that will be responsible for driving your loved one around, allowing him or her to run errands without driving.
