Driving is included in the daily routine of most people. Because we are a mobile society we generally drive from one place to another. People generally receive a driver’s license at age 16. Today young people are waiting until they are older, citing fear of the volume of traffic on highways.
Furthermore, driving may become more challenging for the elderly who want to continue doing their usual routine. Although there is no discrimination when it comes to this activity as long as you have a valid license, seniors with health issues might be more prone to the dangers and hazards of driving. The health challenges that the elderly are experiencing, such as impaired vision, slower reflexes, and weaken movements, and more. As people age driving is more challenging, but elderly people do not easily decide to quit driving. There is no discrimination in age when it comes to driving so long as you have a valid license. Elderly drivers must often pass different tests that include vision, and agility as a prerequisite to receiving a driver’s license. Often elderly drivers have accidents due to impaired vision, slower movements and slower reflexes.
Family caregivers of an elder driver must make a determination when to take away the last independent act of your loved one. This is often a very difficult discussion and seldom do your loved ones consent willingly. Eleanor Gaccetta’s book about taking care of elderly family members may help you get the confidence to talk with the elders regarding driving — the reasons to have the discussion. Some reasons why it is important to talk with elders when it comes to their independence in driving vehicles include:
Understanding is essential. Sometimes the change in the course of life might be hard to accept. Both the physical and environmental changes in one’s life can become overwhelming. But, we have battles that we are fighting silently. So, start taking with the elderly in the family and let him know about the dangers of driving alone. Be considerate enough during the talk by using a more caring tone and language because they might have their personal reasons why they still want to drive. The more you make them understand about the hazardous nature of driving, especially now that they are experiencing difficulties in their well-being, they will surely realize that some parts of their independence must be given up for their own good.
To negotiate the things that they can and cannot do
Independence is the main issue being compromised in these situations. They may be having difficulties with daily routine activities due to health and age conditions, there may be things that they still want to do to feel more alive and normal. Trying to have the talk with them would be quite a challenge because they might get sensitive and stubborn. But, as a caregiver, you should have the will and patience to deal with their reactions. Try as hard as you can to negotiate which activities they can and cannot do and remain safe. Incorporate the pros and cons, as well as the positive and negative impact that these activities can do in their lives for better comprehension and negotiation.
To avoid misunderstandings
Misunderstandings are often caused by miscommunication. If you do not voice out your opinions and thoughts about a particular thing, you wouldn’t be heard and it would make no difference. But, the moment that you step out and use your voice, the change will start to happen. That said, do not be afraid to communicate with the elderly that you are taking care of. Make sure to keep a casual and random conversation with them. These talks might be random but do not forget to insert essential things on them, such as cautions, warnings, awareness, and more. Since they have already experienced so much in life, they will definitely get your point and will soon understand the importance of the things that you are talking about. Perhaps the talk might become heated for some time, but it will surely fall into place after both parties realize the weight of the topics. It is easier to live in harmony with united thoughts about different things including senior independence. Communication is truly the key to change, understanding, and relationships.
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