This new stage in your aging parents’ life can be frustrating and a cause of stress. Most people procrastinate bringing up the subject, and you’re probably wondering how long you can wait until you absolutely have to talk about this with your parents. It’s awkward to tell older parents that they need to give up driving as one of the essential parts of everyday life. They don’t want to give up their sense of independence, and you might be thinking how you are ever going to have the time to drive them where they need to go. It might be difficult to address the issue, but it’s better to find a solution sooner than later.
Be Proactive
It’s a good idea to think about how you want to bring up the subject before the time comes. Consider how your parent feels in the situation and how hard it is for them to give up driving. Choose a relaxing and quiet time to talk to your parent when stress at work or deadlines aren’t an issue.
Prepare for a Long Conversation
When it’s time to confront the topic of driving, allow your parent the opportunity to speak his or her mind and reflect. Driving usually consists of fond memories of trips and family vacations that have a lot of sentimental value. Your parent may want to tell you about a road trip to the Grand Canyon, or their first car purchase as a young adult. As the discussion continues, remind your parent of the benefits that come from not driving.
Senior Transportation Service
You might be too busy to really give your elderly parent the care they need. Driving services for seniors is a great alternative to maintain or return independence to a seniors life! Envoy America provides assisted senior transportation in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Envoy America could be a great resource if you find yourself in this situation because we provide so much more than just a ride. With extra assistance, reserve in advance, wait-and-return, door to door pickups, multiple stops and more, Envoy America is the closest thing to a family member giving your senior parent a lift, at a very affordable rate.
Give Seniors Back Their Independence
One of the scariest parts of hanging up the keys for seniors is losing their independence. They don’t want the constant reminder of getting older and feeling debilitated. With Envoy’s senior driving service, individuals are still able to go to the grocery store, appointments, social gatherings and events without the stress of having to navigate through traffic or other driving obstacles. Envoy provides seniors with door-to-door companionship, extra assistance and accompanied transportation. Seniors can still enjoy everything they love to do just without having to navigate busy highways and streets by themselves.
4 Ways You Can Help A Senior Adjust to Not Driving
1. Check in on them, and make sure communication is still a key part of your relationship.
2. Find an assisted transportation service who cares and will take care of your parent and make them feel important.
3. Make sure they can still attend their favorite activities. Just because driving is no longer an option doesn’t mean they should miss out on their passions and hobbies in life.
4. Encourage them that they won’t lose their independence. Not driving will cause them less stress and help them stay safe.
A Senior Transportation Service you Can Trust
The Co-Founder of Envoy America, K.C. Kanaan says in his own words, “Andy and I saw how painful it was when our older parents lost their ability to drive, and with it, their independence. They needed reliable, safe, door-to-door transportation that comes at a specified time, is affordable, and provides polite, compassionate, professional service. So we created Envoy America…so that my mom and people like her would never have to worry about where they want to go.”
With specific senior focused added values, Envoy aims to care for each senior rider, the way their own family would. The whole team of companion drivers are 50+ in age, hand picked and are dedicated to providing extra care.
Our Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ caring senior transportation service is your premier driving alternative. Envoy has already partnered with many senior communities you can trust within the great Phoenix and Tucson areas including, American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, Faith Presbyterian Church, Jewish Federation of Phoenix and so many more…
However you choose to address this life-change with your elderly parent, know that there are options and with a caring hand choosing to “hang up your keys” can be a smooth and wonderful transition!