Is it Time to Take Away the Keys from Your Aging Loved One in Bangor or Auburn, ME? Elderly Care Services Can Help!
For many families who help meet the needs of an aging parent or loved one, driving can be a thorny issue. More and more seniors choose to live at home, maintaining their independence and lifestyle for longer, and driving can be a major factor in what helps your loved one feel independent. How do you know when it is time to talk with mom or dad about driving?
Visiting Angels Mid Maine’s Elderly Care Services Include Transportation Throughout Bangor, Auburn, and Neighboring Cities
At Visiting Angels Mid Maine, we know that self-reliance and freedom are important values for our community members. Just as important is making sure your loved one has every resource they need in order to stay safe. That is why our elderly care providers can help with a variety of mobility and transportation needs, including helping your loved one get to medical appointments, social activities, community centers, and more.
As we age, many parts of the body will change over time. That includes motor skills, vision, reflexes, and other changes that can make driving more difficult. Elderly care can provide a safe alternative to your loved one continuing to drive. If you are worried about having that conversation with your loved one, we can provide additional resources and advice.
How to Broach the Topic
Maybe you have had this conversation before; maybe your loved one has agreed to stop driving at night, or in unfamiliar areas. If the subject has not come up before, it might be an emotional conversation, but that does not make it any less necessary. Try starting with observations and facts, instead of feelings or worries. Try: “Dad, when you came over for dinner, I noticed that you forgot to turn your headlights on. I want to talk about ways to make sure you are safe.”
It is a good idea to start this discussion before anything dangerous happens, and that means starting this conversation before your loved one’s health or habits become an issue. That makes revisiting the conversation later easier. Your loved one might be more comfortable with giving up their keys if that conversation is the third or fourth one you have had with them.
Offer a Safe Transportation Alternative
Your mom or dad might be more willing to relinquish their driving abilities if they know they have a safe alternative. Elderly care from Visiting Angels Mid Maine can give them access to mobility assistance, transportation, companion care, and help with a wide variety of everyday needs. Not only can you be sure that they are able to get to any appointment or activity in their schedule, but you can also rest assured that their daily needs like fresh meals, timely medication, and clean linens are met too.
If your aging parent lives alone and you are concerned about their safety, Visiting Angels Mid Maine is here to help. Call our home care agency today to learn more about our elderly care services.