How to Reduce the Likelihood that Your Elderly Loved One Needs to Drive
If your elderly loved one is adamant about continuing to drive, you might need to get a little more creative about helping her to cut back. Try some of these ideas to remove the necessity for your loved one to drive on her own.
Anticipate Her Needs
When you can anticipate what your elderly loved one needs and wants, you can plan ahead more effectively. In your planning, figure out what your loved one requires and when you can arrange to either procure it for her or have it delivered to her.
Talk to Service Providers about Home Visits
House calls are not as common as they used to be, but more and more service providers do offer home visits in order to provide their services. You might be able to find a hair stylist who is willing and able to come to your loved one’s home, for example, saving your loved one having to drive to the salon. Make it a point to ask, because you never know.
Schedule Deliveries Whenever Possible
Many grocery stores and pharmacies offer delivery services, particularly to their elderly customers. The next time that you’re in some of these locations, ask about the possibility of having your loved one’s orders delivered to her home. This can save you time and can keep your loved one from feeling the need to drive.
Set up Opportunities for Other Family Members to Provide Transportation
If you’re lucky enough to have other family members available often, arrange for them to take over driving tasks for your loved one. This can help your loved one to feel less as though you’re the one trying to restrict her driving. Another option is to hire senior care providers who can provide transportation for your loved one when you’re not available.
Invite Relatives and Friends for Visits
Staying socially active can help to distract your loved one from feeling the need to be out and about as much, especially if you can convince some of those folks to come to her. Talk with friends and family members about setting up regular times for visits to keep your loved one company.
As your loved one gradually becomes used to driving less and less often, you might find that it’s less of a battle.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Lafayette Hill, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.