There are many reasons why you may have chosen to hire a home caregiver for your loved one. However, that may not be an indicator that they can no longer drive safely. Before making any assumptions consider all the facts first.
Why does your parent need a home caregiver?
If this is just a temporary arrangement because mom or dad is ill and you and your family members are not available to help them during this period, a home caregiver is an excellent option for transportation assistance. However, if your parent’s prognosis is for a full recovery, there may be no need to give up driving on a permanent basis.
Does your parent have a chronic illness that requires a home caregiver to support their wellness? Depending on the type of illness, your parent may be capable of driving when their pain or symptoms are manageable. When they are more intense, their caregiver may be their driving companion or the individual who runs errands for your mom or dad.
Is your loved one feeling anxious about losing their independence if they hand over the car keys? Often relinquishing the keys is not as much about driving as it is about independence. If your mother or father and the home caregiver can develop a good relationship, your parent may feel content knowing they can do all the things they want to do with the assistance of someone else behind the wheel.
Including your parent in the decision making will make the transition much easier. Most senior citizens are ready to give up their car keys, they just are not prepared to give up their independence. Provide them a solution that involves them. Even if they do not have to abandon their keys, they may want to.
