Caregiving Tips
The LiveSmart Eldercare Guide contains useful information on many topics related to eldercare. One of the most difficult areas to manage is when to limit an elderperson's driving. Some seniors self-limit. They know that their skills and reflexes are not as sharp as they once were and they make adjustments. Other people are highly resistant to changes in their driving behavior and may need "The No Driving Talk". Following are suggestions that may be helpful.
Tips: The No Driving Talk
- Know that this may be an emotional discussion. Driving represents independence and freedom and is closely tied to our feelings of self worth. It may take a number of conversations before agreement is reached. With care and respect, try to persuade the senior to give up his/her keys.
- Depending on circumstances, try to work with the senior to develop a plan to limit or stop their driving. This will give them a sense of control and independence. Consider the following options if the senior is still able to drive conditionally.
- Take a defensive driving course for seniors.
- Drive only during the day.
- Drive only on surface streets, not on the freeway/highway.
- Talk about safety. Remind the driver not only of their own safety, but the safety of passengers, drivers and pedestrians.
- Research other transportation options. Share your information with the senior so that they understand that they will continue to have freedom, independence and viable transportation options if they give up driving.
- Arrange for a support system of people who will provide rides for grocery shopping, doctor's appointments and other "just for fun" visits that the senior enjoys.
- Start the senior using public transportation, senior services and/or family driving help before they actually need to give up the keys. Gradually transition away from their driving to having others drive.
- Discuss the costs and annoyances of paying for and keeping up a car, such as gasoline, repairs, maintenance, insurance and so forth. The senior may welcome relief from these responsibilities.
- Ask the senior's doctor if the senior is capable of driving. If not, ask the doctor to counsel the senior to give up driving.
If the senior is not responsive to these ideas and is clearly a danger to themselves and others when driving, refer to Card F in the Caregiving tab of the LiveSmart Eldercare Guide, "Tips: How to Take Away the Keys".
