Evaluating Senior's Driving Abilities

Elderly drivers have become a growing concern in society. With life expectancy increasing throughout the U.S. , the number of older drivers continues to rise as well. As people age, the operation of a motor vehicle can become difficult due to poor eyesight and slow reflexes.

This discussion is often very difficult and emotional for the adult child as well as the parent. It is crucial to consider the impact this will have on your parent and how you can make the transition easier on them.

Here are six tips you can use to help your loved one understand why it is time to find alternative transportation methods without them resenting having their independence taken way.

Build a case - if you feel safe doing so, take a drive with your parent, letting them drive. It may turn out that your parent is a safer driver than you suspected. If not, you can discuss your experience with them later.

Steer the conversation towards recent headlines - Discuss a local or national news headline about an elderly driver causing an accident. This will help give you a sense of what your parent is thinking. You may want to ask about when they plan to give up driving. If they say, "Oh, in 5 or 10 years, " you will know what you are up against.

Be gentle but firm - try not to be insulting or attacking. If your parent becomes angry or hurt, they may not leave the topic up for discussion.

Rely on experts - Realize that it may be difficult for your parents to agree with you. Suggest they visit their doctor or ophthalmologist to get an assessment. There may be a treatable medical condition that could make their driving safer. If not, it may be easier for your parent to hear it from a medical professional than their own child.

Offer solutions - Help your parent come up with solutions to their transportation issues. Offer to give them rides when you can. When you can't be there, consider a professional caregiver and companion service, such as Comfort Keepers. Your parent may be relieved to be able to go where they want, when they want, without the worries of parking and night driving.

Giving up the freedom of driving can be a difficult time for a loved one. Get them the assistance they need to make the transition as easy as reasonably possible. Remember that though it may be a difficult discussion to have, it may save someone's life.