Driving is the primary means of getting around for many people. However, it may pose a serious challenge, especially when elderly drivers are involved. Diminishing visibility coupled with increased frailty can cause all sorts of problems for an older driver.
If you’re worried about the safety of your elderly loved one behind the wheel, then it’s time to initiate a conversation about when to stop driving. Nevertheless, persuading an older driver to stop driving and hang up the keys isn’t as easy as it seems. Most of them might feel deprived of their freedom if they quit driving.
Generally, older drivers are considered to be the safest drivers simply because they don’t take risks like younger drivers might. Some take lessons on driving safety for seniors to improve their skills on the road as well. Seniors do have the highest fatality rate after teen drivers per mile driven, though, due to their increased frailty and inability to survive trauma. Tips for elderly drivers can be helpful, but starting the conversation about when to stop driving is your surest means of averting disaster and showing compassion to your loved one.
Table of Contents
Signs a Senior Should Stop Driving
Driving is a complex process that requires all senses to function optimally. If your senior loved one is experiencing some level of deterioration in their senses, don’t hesitate to talk to them. Knowing the telltale physical signs is the first step to initiating a successful conversation. Some of the indicators you should consider include:
Changes in vision
Hearing loss
Reduced cognition
Frailty and decreased physical ability
Other noticeable signs include:
Driving too slowly
Multiple accidents
Inability to drive at night
Slower reflexes
Inability to interpret road signs
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Max Rimeris
11/12/2019
My mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this...read moreMy mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this very difficult situation easier. Active Senior Care has great communication and is always there for questions or concerns. They have made what is a hard decision & process, comfortable in a way words cannot accurately express.read less
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3/09/2021
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11/04/2020
Active Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience...read moreActive Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience working with other agencies. There was no comparison with the outstanding care and concerned that was given by Active Senior Care! I recommend them without hesitation!read less
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1/22/2021
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9/24/2019
I was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a...read moreI was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a lot of turnover, until we found active home care. They came to our home before starting services and met my mother in law, after that they allowed us to interview different caregivers until we felt comfortable. We are very happy with the caregiver and the service provided by the company.read less
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11/05/2019
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12/17/2020
My mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays...read moreMy mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays with her until 3:00 pm. My mom loves Anita, she keeps my mom safe and takes her out to socialize on a daily basis.read less
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7/02/2019
When I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of...read moreWhen I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of caregivers for interviews and I decided on the one I liked the most. I'm using their services 6 hours every day and I'm very happy and relieved now.read less
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11/12/2019
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3/26/2019
Best home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery...read moreBest home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery shopping. My quality of life has definitely improved since I hired them.read less
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11/12/2019
Active Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family...read moreActive Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family member in need.read less
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12/07/2016
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Aimee Garden-Fernandez
12/08/2016
Selecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will...read moreSelecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will be forever grateful.read less
Lloyd Masukawa
6/15/2021
Everything about the process was professional including follow-up. Every detail was handled and the whole process of having help after an accident was effortless with Active Senior Care.
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3/04/2021
Compassionate, loving and caring. More of a second home to elderly , 24/7 care and attention. Doesn’t have to worry about older parent being alone at home.
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12/22/2021
How to Have the Conversation
It’s widely appreciated that talking with older drivers is a sensitive issue that may prove to be a herculean task. You must find a way to pass the message without compromising your relationship with your loved ones. Below are a few steps on how to handle this sensitive conversation:
1. Do It Early
Starting the conversation early is one of the best ways of reducing defensiveness and refusals. Besides listening to your views, your loved one will also be able to share their concerns openly, making the process much easier for you.
2. Handle Refusals
Be ready to handle refusals in an amicable manner. You can invite a close family friend to talk them through the benefits of giving up driving or have a physician explain to them the repercussions on their health.
3. Discuss the Alternatives
After convincing your loved one to give up driving, you must provide alternatives. Some of the best options include public transport, local community services or enlisting a reputable home care service.
Why Choose Active Senior Care?
At Active Senior Care, we care about the safety of your loved one behind the wheel. That’s why we’re more than willing to attend to all their transportation needs. We offer 24/7 services in Miami Beach, Aventura, Coral Gables, North Miami and other areas within Florida. Contact us for a free home visit today.
Call 786-360-3449 now for a free home visit!