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How to Stop Elderly Parents From Driving

Donna Nichols • December 29, 2020

One of the hardest conversations to have: telling an aging loved one it’s time to stop driving 

First of all, how do you know it’s time for them to stop driving?

Let’s take a look at some of the signs.

Take a few rides with them and observe their mannerisms and reaction times.

  • Are they easily distracted while driving?
  • Are they driving too fast or too slow?
  • Are they cutting corners too sharp?
  • Are they having difficulty changing lanes?
  • Do you notice any new scrapes or dents on the vehicle?

These are some early signs that it may be time for your loved one to quit driving, but how do you tell your mom or dad they can no longer drive?

Yikes!! Here’s the hard part, right?

Just remember, they have been driving for a lifetime and giving it up means losing their independence. It doesn’t have to be so hard, just start out slowly and bring to their attention little details calmly and patiently.

I tell you to take a ride with them because you need to know the facts for yourself, don’t rely on what others tell you, they could be basing their remarks off of one circumstance.

Before you approach the subject, make sure you have an alternative plan. Research other transportation options and show them they can still get around town, to the doctor’s office, etc.

For more information about this, read our blog, Senior Transportation Options.

How to stop elderly parents from driving

There are many delivery services now who will deliver groceries and medications. Maybe one of their neighbors would take them to run errands one day a week. Check into other options before approaching the subject.

Be sympathetic, after all, you’re asking them to give up a large part of their lifestyle. Approach the subject carefully and keep your emotions under control. Your loved one may be angry or act hostile toward you, but remain calm while speaking to them about giving up driving.

They are not going to agree with you the first time you have this conversation. You may have to speak to them several times, and suggest they take a driving test or have their vision checked. Perhaps if a professional tells them they are not able to drive any longer, they will be more apt to listen.

Remind them of the consequences that could happen if they continue to drive, but speak to them calmly. Remind them someone could get seriously hurt and maybe even die if they have an accident. Also, point out that they couldn’t handle the affects of a car accident either. It’s hard enough to recover from a fall; can you imagine a car accident?

Make sure you stay on track with the conversation, don’t go off on another topic, and stick to the point of them not driving. They may try to change the subject because it is something they don’t want to hear, but stick to the subject!

So, how do you tell your aging loved one is time to stop driving? Calmly and with patience, remember you are telling them they can no longer do the one thing that gives them the last bit of freedom they have.

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

Make Valentine’s Day Special for Seniors

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2025
Valentine’s Day tends to zero in on romantic love, but what about our seniors? They too often get forgotten. We have some ways to make Valentine’s Day special for them too. Spend the day with your loved one. Spending quality time with a loved one is more important to a senior than anything else. There is no greater gift than time and please make sure you have enough, so you are not rushed. Do your elderly loved one have a favorite meal? Perhaps you can prepare it for them, or if they are able, you can prepare it together. How fun would that be for you both? Be sure to discuss the enjoyment it brought you while you are sharing the meal together. How about a game of name that love song? You could prepare a playlist of love songs from the generation and play them to see how many they get correct. Or, if you can sing, you can sing some for them and see if they can recollect them. Take some time for reminiscing, go through old photo albums, or ask about old times. Ask them about when you were young and what trouble you caused; this will give you all something to laugh (or cry) about. Has your loved one been cooped up all winter? Take them out for a nice lunch, or weather permitting, a picnic in the park. Go for coffee and a donut, then head out to see a movie. Make a “date” of it. Maybe your senior is into crafts. You can design special Valentine’s Day cards for other family members. This way your senior can express their love for them and send it to them in their own unique way. You can create other greeting cards as well. Bake some special treats together. Does your senior have some favorite cookies or cake? You could bake it together, or you can bake it for them. Then you can enjoy it after you have the meal you prepared together. Yummy, delicious!! You can watch some romantic movies together if they prefer to stay in the house or the weather isn’t so good. If they like to color, you can buy them some of those large coloring books and you can color together. Don’t forget the decorations and the flowers! Make the house or apartment as festive as possible. Even if they live in as assisted living community, you can still decorate their room to the nines! Make it as festive as possible! If you live in another state or can’t be close to your senior for Valentine’s Day, how about sending them a specially crafted care package. You can hand make some gifts, add some photos of family and friends, and send a personally recorded message. You can bake some homemade treats and incorporate some things that are of personal interest to them. This will show how much you care for them and make their Valentine’s Day extra special even if you can’t be with them.  There are so many ways to make Valentine’s Day special for seniors. Let’s not forget about them; make sure to show them they are so loved too!

February is National Heart Month

By Donna Nichols • February 4, 2025
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Hydration Tips for the Winter

By Donna Nichols • January 8, 2025
I’ve written many blogs about the importance of staying hydrated in the summer, but did you know it’s just as important to stay hydrated in the winter months? I’ve shared some important tips on how to stay hydrated in the winter and why. Cold, dry air can dehydrate you easily and quickly. Even if you don’t feel thirsty. Proper hydration can help regulate your body temperature, maintain healthy organ function, and prevent fatigue, dry skin, and headaches. In the colder months, you do not feel thirsty, that’s why it’s so important to make sure you drink plenty of water. Why is winter hydration so important? Colder air tends to be drier causing moisture to evaporate through your breathing which can cause dehydration. In colder weather, you may not feel as thirsty, causing you to become dehydrated quickly. Also, wearing more clothing traps sweat inside your clothing causing more fluid loss. What are some of the benefits of staying hydrated in the winter? • Drinking enough water helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents dryness. This will help with that dry, itchy skin feeling we all get in the winter. • Water helps your body maintain a regular core temperature. Which is so important to maintain in the winter. • Drinking plenty of water supports your immune system, which helps fight off winter colds and the flu. We all want to fight those germs off! • When you are dehydrated, you become tired easily, so drinking plenty of water helps keep your energy levels up. How do you stay hydrated in the winter? • Make sure you drink plenty of water. Set reminders if you must; you probably won’t feel as thirsty in the winter, but you need to keep drinking that water! • You don’t have to drink cold water; room temperature water works. You can also drink tea or water with lemon, as long as you’re getting your water. • If you’re going out, carry a water bottle with you to ensure you have water to drink. • Eat fruits and vegetables that contain water. Tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, watermelon, cauliflower, mushrooms, cucumber, apples, and pineapple are just a few that contain high water contents. • If you think you’re dehydrated, check your urine; if it’s a darker color, that can suggest dehydration. Urine should be a pale, yellow color. As you can see, staying hydrated in the winter is just as important as staying hydrated in the summer, if not more. In the winter you don’t realize you are thirsty therefore you tend not to drink as much water as you should. This has the potential of wreaking havoc on your body. Please make sure you drink plenty of water in the wintertime as you do in the summertime. We have rebranded our company, we are now Assisted Senior Services! Call us for ANYTHING SENIOR!! 386-847-2322!
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