Talking to an Aging Loved One About Driving

Driving represents a sense of independence for many seniors, but unfortunately, it’s unsafe for some older adults to continue driving as they age. The older the senior driving, the more likely they are to cause or be involved in an accident. According to Bankrate Insurance, for every 1,000 people involved in crashes, senior drivers are involved in 96.61 accidents. The most common cause of accidents for seniors is failing to yield the right-of-way, adequately surveying their surroundings, misjudging another driver’s speed, or the gap between their vehicle and another car.

Talking to a senior loved one about driving is not about taking away their independence but ensuring their safety and the safety of everyone else on the road. Understanding the right time to talk to a loved one and how to approach the subject can help make this difficult conversation a bit less challenging. 

Is it the right time to talk to my loved one about driving?

Not all seniors need to give up their cars and licenses. However, if you notice any of the following signs, now may be the time to start a conversation to ensure everyone’s safety.

• Your loved one has been in a recent car accident or near accident
• Your loved one regularly runs red lights or stop signs
• A police officer or street cam has issued a ticket because your loved one was speeding or not driving safely
• Your loved one is experiencing memory loss or confusion
• A doctor has diagnosed your loved one with dementia or another cognitive condition 
• Your loved one has trouble seeing or hearing
• Your loved one is taking prescription medications that may affect their driving abilities
• You’ve felt unsafe driving with your loved one

Tips for starting a conversation about driving

Starting a conversation with your loved one about driving will likely be difficult. Consider these tips to help you prepare and execute a successful discussion. 

• Plan ahead. It’s best to go into any difficult conversation with a plan. Make a few points about what you want to say and what goals you hope to achieve through the dialogue. Understand that reaching your goal may take a few discussions, so consider setting aside multiple days for the conversation. 
• Explain why. Telling your loved one you want them to stop driving because you think it’s unsafe is not enough of a reason for your loved one to understand. Explain why you think their driving is dangerous. Remind them of concrete examples, such as accumulated tickets. 
• Allow your loved one to express their concerns. Once you share your thoughts and concerns, allow your loved one to express their feelings and listen to what they’re telling you. Listening and acknowledging what they say allows your loved one to be a part of the decision about their driving. 
• Provide alternative transportation options. Talk to your loved one about alternative ways to get around, whether that’s public transportation, ride shares, or hiring a caregiver. Sometimes, a loved one is not upset about the act of driving but feels like they can’t leave their home, so knowing they have options to get out can ease their concerns. 

How Visiting Angels can help

If an aging loved one in your life is living at home alone and needs a way to run errands safely, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our team of professional caregivers can provide transportation to the grocery store, appointments, or the doctor’s office. We can also spend time at home with clients to offer companionship while assisting with daily living tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, and personal grooming. 

Our Ravenna office works with seniors in Portage, Geauga, and Southern Cuyahoga counties. If you want to learn more about our at-home services, message us or call 330.297.2000.