Driving and your aging parents

Driving and your aging parents
TheCypressTimes.com ^ | 04/29/2010 | Candy Arrington

Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 2:32:37 PM by Patriot1259

Driving is a major issue for seniors and frequently referred to as the nuclear warhead of caregiving. For many, driving is the last bastion of independence and the prospect of giving it up is tantamount to stepping into the grave. Some seniors refuse to acknowledge their limitations, although many have forgotten the rules of the road they learned decades ago. In such cases, family members spend countless hours worrying. Stop the inner turmoil and look for solutions. If you reach the point where you have to lay out the issue firmly, have some ideas or solutions for transportation needs already in place.

Having alternate plans is an essential element when encouraging seniors to hang up the keys. If they see no other way to get where they want or need to go, then they’ll be reluctant to let go of the keychain. Look into local transportation systems, and as a caregiver, your own ability to help. It may be easier to shop for Mom’s groceries, but delivering bags to her door doesn’t meet the psychological need to get out of the house occasionally. Try role reversal here to gain perspective.

(Excerpt) Read more at thecypresstimes.com …

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