Is it Time to Talk to Your Senior Loved One about Driving?

By Marlene Diaz | May 25, 2016 |

Senior Care Tacoma WA

Driving is a sign of independence from the time that we’re all young and it could be one that your senior loved one doesn’t want to give up. If he’s not safe behind the wheel, though, it may be time to do something about it.

The Car Has Seen Better Days
The last time you saw your senior loved one’s car, it was in the same pristine shape that he’s always kept it. This time, however, there are lots of little dings or worse, lots of big dings and damage. This can be an indication that your loved one doesn’t have luck in parking lots, but a more reasonable explanation is that he’s having accidents. They may be small accidents where he hits parked cars or other objects that are in his path, but that’s still a bad sign. You certainly don’t want to get to the point where your loved one is hitting people or having severe wrecks.

His Driving Record
Have you checked your loved one’s driving record lately? He could be getting tickets for small driving infractions when he’s never had a ticket before. He may not see stop signs, for example, or maybe he’s ignoring lights or other traffic warnings. Perhaps he’s speeding or even going too slowly for the road that he’s on. Many of these situations won’t rack up a lot of points on his license on their own, but add them together and he may have some serious fines and could be on the verge of losing his driving privileges even without your intervention.

His Insurance Rates Have Gone Up
Another big clue that your loved one could be dealing with a poor driving record is that his insurance rates have gone up. Accidents and poor driving records are two of the main indicators that insurance companies look at when determining your loved one’s rates at renewal. If his bills have becomes much higher, there’s likely a significant reason behind that new rate.

You Don’t Feel Safe Riding as a Passenger
If it’s been a while since you rode along with your loved one, maybe it’s time for a short trip. As a passenger, you can get the full experience. If your loved one doesn’t want to drive with you in the car, that could be a sign that he knows his driving skills have diminished and he doesn’t want you to be aware of this fact. Once the ride is over, you have to decide whether you felt safe in the car or whether it’s time to talk to your senior loved one about his driving.

Driving can be a touchy subject for your senior loved one, but his safety and the safety of others on the road is at stake.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care in Tacoma WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

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Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.