Old people...

[Ashton]

How does one tell them that they're getting old and it might be time to put down the keys... Even if their minds are aging and respected by their peers? Basically what does one do when an old person / family members reflexes are just well... Getting old. Yet this person holds multiple degrees and doctorates and honestly. Their mind is pretty damn sharp but they can't drive anymore. This person is obviously mentally sound. However, they just can't drive anymore.

[Irving]

Sometimes it takes an accident to get the point across. People have a pretty difficult time giving up their independence. How do you tell an old lady with a bad heart, bad gull bladder, bad kidneys, and diabetes that she shouldn't be on the roof swapping the motor out of her swamp cooler?

[UncleDave]

I have found the best way is every time you are around offer to be their chauffeur for the day. After a while they get the message and keep their dignity. That being said this is a very emotional thing for seniors, as this is their independence.

[SAnd]

You can't just tell them to stop driving. You need to show them alternatives. Show them the bus schedule and the senior ride programs that are available, and how to use them. If they are church members check with their church on the availability of rides with members to church services or events. The same goes for any other things they regularly participate in. I knew one person that showed that they could take a taxi to and from their supermarket twice a week for half of what their car cost them.

Most supermarkets deliver for a small charge.

Show them where to find information on the internet if they use computers.

It may help if you help them get a cart to help them haul their purchases on the bus or other transportation.

Telling them to stop driving is the same as telling them they can never leave their home, that their life is over. You need to show them that isn't true and how to do it.

Best wishes. I hope it works out.

[ray1970]

I hate to be "that guy"....

But isn't this a repost?

Seems like I remember a thread about the exact same thing.

[gnihcraes]

Contact their insurance agent, they probably can assist with a termination of coverage letter or something similar. I have a parent that has already been threatened with termination due to many claims in the last couple years.

[SideShow Bob]

that she should be on the roof swapping the motor out of her swamp cooler?

Trying collect on an inheritance early ?..........

[Great-Kazoo]

Define OLD? or are you talking "Diminished capacity"? It took our late mom's Dr. to tell her No Driving. DMV will not do anything w/out physician or other care giver alert. The only thing notifying the ins co will do is raise rates. Cancel perhaps. However unless you physically take the keys and vehicle the option to slide behind the steering wheel is there.

[Irving]

Trying collect on an inheritance early ?..........

Oops, I meant "shouldn't." Thanks for the catch.

[hawk1]

Eskimos put 'me on an ice float and send on their way to the other side...