• Home
  • Welcome!
  • Mission Statement
  • The Compass Girls
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Champagne Living

Live the Good Life!

  • The Buzz
    • Men’s Corner
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Home
    • Snowbirds
  • Travel
    • Cruise
    • USA
      • Florida
      • Las Vegas
      • New York
    • Mexico
    • Europe
    • LGBTQ Travel
  • Food & Drink
    • Drink
    • Dine In
    • Dine Out
    • South Florida
  • Weddings
  • Cars & RVs
  • Gift Guides
You are here: Home / Ride / How to Talk to Your Elderly Parent About Their Driving

Ride

How to Talk to Your Elderly Parent About Their Driving

If you follow me on Facebook you saw the discussion we had last month about when to take the keys away from an elderly parent. Living in South Florida and hitting the highway is a VERY scary thing. Between the young guys who think that they own the road and weave in and out at 85-90mph and the seniors driving at 45 in the high speed lane, I’d rather stay home. I used to LOVE to drive, but after moving here 10 years ago, it became the thing that I really hate about living here. I began to think about that moment that Ben decides to take my keys (or Mr. S’) from me, and how I’d feel.

I’m sure that you have all been behind that car on the road. It is moving slower than could possibly be safe, seems to weaving from side to side, and when you finally take the chance to pass them, you see an elderly person at the wheel, either terrified but trying to get by or seemingly clueless as to how bad their driving really is.

We all get older, and that means that one day, this driver could be us. But sooner than that, it will be our parents. In fact, you may have already noticed signs that you parents should no longer be driving. And that means it is time to have a difficult conversation.

If Possible, Talk to Your Parents Before the Problem Arises

Ideally, you and your parents will have this conversation before their driving skills deteriorate. This allows them to think of the situation as a hypothetical and get more emotional distance. You can then put a plan in place, making it less likely that when the time comes, you will be met with resistance.

Get Past Your Nerves

By the time your parent is old enough that driving is a concern, you are clearly an adult yourself. However, most of us never really get past the feeling that it is wrong to try and offer our parents guidance, much less place limits on their behaviors. Despite the discomfort this discussion brings, you need to get past your nerves and have it. The safety of your parents and others on the road is more important than feeling at ease.

Go into the Conversation with a Plan

Telling your parents that you believe it is time to stop driving, and supporting this with reasons why, is really just half the battle. You also need to come to them with a plan. Few of us live in areas where not driving is an option. Public transportation is often not available, and in many towns, there isn’t even a taxi service. So, if you want your parents to stop driving, what alternatives are you going to propose? Think about things such as hiring drivers, offering rides yourself, and even relocating to a retirement home or assisted living center where transport is provided.

Be Calm in Your Delivery

You have to be careful with how you word your conversation. If you get heated or accusatory, chances are your parents will dismiss your concerns and become angry themselves. A calm delivery and gentle language is vital. Keep in mind that facing their decline in driving ability isn’t just about driving, but about their capabilities in general and facing their mortality. It is natural for them to feel sad, defensive, angry, and more.

Know Your Limits

Ultimately, unless you have power of attorney, you cannot force your parents to do anything. Keep this in mind as you enter into the conversation. And even if you do not get the results you seek the first try, continue to revisit the issue and work towards helping your parents realize their limits.

Please follow and like us:
error
fb-share-icon
Tweet
fb-share-icon


About Zipporah Sandler

Zipporah Sandler AKA Zippy is a lifestyle and travel specialist who after living everywhere from Providence to Paris found herself suddenly residing in South Florida (something she swore she’d never do).

Whether it be San Pellegrino water or Louis Roderer Cristal, Zippy suggests that you keep your life sparkling and your glass full.

« This week’s subscription find: Pop Shop America
How to Plan Your Week so You Are Not Overwhelmed »

Eat what I eat!

Black Friday 2020 Deal

Guide to a great New Year’s brunch

Click the center of the guide for a fullscreen view to shop from.

Giveaways

  • Retro 6 can mini fridge
Shopbop.com

Fast Free Shipping Worldwide

  • JUST ARRIVED
  • SHOP SMALL LEATHER GOODS
  • SHOP EYE MASKS

Fast Free Shipping Worldwide

JUST ARRIVED

  • Schutz

    Schutz Collection

  • adidas by Stella McCartney

    adidas by Stella McCartney Fall

  • For Love & Lemons

    Anastasia Sweater by For Love & Lemons

  • Schutz

    Sibyl Boots

  • Beyond Yoga

    buy Beyond Yoga online

  • Self Portrait

    heart Self Portrait Sequin Taffeta Jumpsuit

< >

SHOP SMALL LEATHER GOODS

  • Marc by Marc Jacobs

    Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Rat Key Wallet

  • Marc by Marc Jacobs

    Buy Petal to the Metal Key Wallet from Marc b...

  • Marc by Marc Jacobs

    Shop Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Travel ...

  • Marc by Marc Jacobs

    Buy Pretty Nylon Printed Pouch from Marc by M...

  • Marc by Marc Jacobs

    Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Pouch

  • Marc by Marc Jacobs

    Buy Now at Shopbop

< >

SHOP EYE MASKS

  • Slip

    heart Slip

  • ASCENO

    steal their style

  • Slip

    Mrs. Slipsilk Pure Silk Sleep Mask by Slip

< >

Shop No Heel Wedges, Silver Sandal Heels, Black Lace Bralettes, High Rise Skinny Jeans and more. Get this widget.

Follow for MORE Champagne Living

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram

Cars Bars & Pars – a men’s lifestyle blog

Dealspotr.com

Copyright © 2021 · Champagne Living Media LLC (2007)

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in