When Families in Virginia Beach, VA Should Take Away the Keys

It may be necessary to have tough conversations with our loved ones about their ability to keep driving safely as they get older. Because driving is typically a symbol of independence and freedom, this may be a delicate and touching subject for families and seniors alike. But it's important to know when to take away the car keys to keep our older loved ones and other drivers safe. Families in Virginia Beach, VA who are faced with the unenviable task of having this tough talk may find these suggestions helpful.

Knowing When to Take the Keys Away for Seniors in Virginia Beach, VA

For seniors, there is no magic number or life event that signals it's time to give up the keys. Because people age physically and mentally at various rates, it is important to check in on their driving ability on a frequent basis.

Some signs that may indicate it is time to take the car keys away from a senior loved one include:

• Changes in Vision or Hearing - Aging may cause a loss of vision and hearing, which can make it harder to see pedestrians, traffic signals, and other vehicles on the road. Because of this, a senior's driving safety may be significantly compromised.
• Difficulty with Physical Tasks - The physical skills necessary to drive include a firm grasp of the wheel, the ability to move one's head to check one's blind spots, and the precise pressing of pedals. Seniors with arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or other physical problems may find it hard to do these things, which puts them at risk on the road.
• Slow Reaction Time - It becomes increasingly challenging to react swiftly to unforeseen circumstances while driving as our response time decreases with age. This poses a risk to the elderly motorist as well as other drivers on the road.
• Increased Confusion or Forgetfulness - For seniors dealing with memory loss or forgetfulness, it may be rather challenging to keep track of where they are going, get lost when driving, or even follow simple instructions. This can endanger not just them, but other drivers as well.
• Near-Miss Incidents or Accidents - It is important to think about other forms of transportation for seniors if they have had near-misses or accidents while driving. This is because it shows that their driving abilities have significantly declined.

Putting an older loved one's safety first should be your first priority when deciding whether to take away their car keys. If you notice any of these things in a loved one, it might be time to talk about finding other ways for them to get around.

Having the Conversation

For the sake of everyone's safety on the road, it is essential to have the tough talk about taking the vehicle keys away from an elderly relative. Involving your loved one in the decision-making process and approaching the matter with care and compassion are both crucial.

Here are some tips for having this conversation:

• Be Honest and Direct - Give your loved one your honest opinion on whether they should stop driving and the reasons for your worries. Never be accusing or combative; just be honest and forthright.
• Listen to Their Perspective - Listen carefully while your loved one shares their views and opinions about the matter. Pay attention to what they have to say and do your best to see things from their viewpoint.
• Offer Alternative Transportation Options - Tell your loved one that there are other ways to get around Virginia Beach, like I-RIDE or Visiting Angels' incidental transportation services. Despite being unable to drive, they will still be able to engage in activities, run errands, and attend appointments.
• Involve Their Doctor - Ask your loved one's doctor to join you in the discussion if they are unwilling to give up their driving privileges. Doctors can give them a professional opinion on how well they can drive and help them make the switch to an alternative mode of transportation.
• Show Empathy and Understanding - Most importantly, be understanding and empathic with your loved one. They may need your comfort and support as they adjust to the prospect of losing their driving privileges, which can be a challenging and painful process.

How Incidental Transportation from Visiting Angels Can Help Seniors in Virginia Beach, VA

Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach offers incidental transportation services as an alternate mode of transportation. Our team of caregivers can get seniors to and from medical appointments, errands, and other activities in a safe and reliable way. This is a great option for seniors in Virginia Beach who have lost the ability to drive but would want to continue living independently and participating in community activities.

It may be a challenging adjustment for the elderly person and their loved ones when driving privileges are suspended or revoked. Having our caregivers there to provide an ear and a helpful hand during this transitional period may do wonders for your loved one's self-esteem. As part of our home care services, our caregivers can also accompany your senior loved one to social gatherings, help with running errands (such as picking up groceries or medications), and assist with other everyday tasks like light housekeeping.

Safe and Reliable Transportation

When it comes to transporting elderly people in Virginia Beach, our caregivers have the necessary training and expertise to do the job safely. In addition to making sure the elderly person gets to their destination safely, they can also help them get in and out of the vehicle, find their way around traffic, and park.

Customized Care Plans

Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach cares about the individuality of each senior and their preferences and requirements. That's why we tailor our transportation services and other care plans to the specific needs of each client. We will collaborate with you and your loved one to develop a plan of care that accommodates their schedule and unique requirements.

Companionship and Emotional Support

Isolation and loneliness are common feelings for seniors who lose their driving abilities. Thankfully, they won't have to face this difficult time alone thanks to our caregivers, who can provide company and emotional support. To further enhance the transportation experience for our clients, we can participate in stimulating discussions and activities while on the go.

Flexible Scheduling

The need for transportation might happen at any moment, and that's why we provide convenient scheduling solutions. Seniors may continue to live independently and participate in their communities with the help of our caregivers who provide incidental transportation services on an as-needed, part-time, or full-time basis.

Peace of Mind for Families

When seniors are under the professional and compassionate care of Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach, families can rest easy. To give our clients the best in-home care possible, our caregivers are carefully chosen and go through thorough background checks.

Taking away a senior loved one's vehicle keys is never an easy choice, but it's vital for their safety and the protection of everyone on the road. Because we know how important it is for older adults to be able to go about on their own and be involved in their communities, Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach provides incidental transportation services so that seniors in Virginia Beach may keep living the lives they choose to live. The dependable transportation, emotional support, and companionship offered by our in-home caregivers may alleviate stress for families and provide seniors with the necessary assistance during this time of change.

Call our Virginia Beach, VA office at 757-216-1934 or fill out our form to learn more about incidental transportation and other home care options we offer for seniors.