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Turning over the keys:
Driving is more than just a necessity to you. Your ability to drive is also a symbol of your freedom and your independence. It shows that you do not have to rely on others to take care of your basis chores and are self sufficient and capable of independent living. It means that you are able to continue to lead an active life and pursue a career. It also means that you are spontaneous and are able to enjoy life and participate in social and religious activities.
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It is quite natural therefore that you would not be willing to turn over the keys yet. However, if you feel that driving is not as easy as it was before then perhaps it is time to make the difficult decision. An honest self-assessment helps to make the decision easier.
If you are feeling nervous or exhausted or you keep merging with the traffic while you are driving or have difficulty making the correct decision in moments of emergency then those are signs that you need to slow down on driving.
Your family may have also noticed your diminishing driving skills and may have advised you more than one to quit driving. Ask them for specific reasons why they think so.
Consult a professional driving instructor and ask for a professional assessment of your driving ability.
Persuading a senior to give up the keys:
It can be a difficult task persuading a senior to give up the keys. They view that as a loss of power and self esteem and even as a step towards enfeeblement, exhaustion and death. So you need to approach the subject gently and with caution.
Try to understand their resistance. Remember, in an individualistic society like ours, pride comes in the way of acceptance of assisted living.
So gently remind them about their safety. They may have already had close calls or even an accident. Remind them about the potential danger to themselves and those who they love. Talk to them about the risk to other drivers and pedestrians.
Don't make demands. Try to reason gently with them. Ask them questions which will help in their self-evaluation instead and persuade them to take the right decision.
Be honest with them. Acknowledge that their lifestyle will change without the car but explain other transportation modes that will help them continue to remain mobile and as active as before. A good research for transportation options will help to calm their anxiousness.
Volunteer to help with their shopping or offer a ride to the doctor when they need it. Arrange for online shopping and home deliveries. If possible arrange for home visits from doctors and caregivers.
Try to make them see the other advantages of giving up the keys. They can sell the car. They can save on costs of insurance, maintenance and repairs and gasoline. No more fees for the license and registration.
Make sure that the senior is indeed persuaded to give up driving. They may still look for opportunities and excuses for driving so make sure that they do indeed quit. Your sharing the first few rides on a public transport with them may help them overcome their initial reluctance and inhibition.
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