{"id":14787,"date":"2025-02-17T08:30:40","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T08:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/?p=14787"},"modified":"2025-02-17T19:31:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T19:31:43","slug":"should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel\/","title":{"rendered":"Should Your Senior Parent Still Be Behind the Wheel?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving is an important part of staying independent, but aging can bring changes that make it harder to stay safe on the road. For example, vision may not be as sharp, making it difficult to read signs or judge distances. Reflexes may slow down, which can affect reaction time in sudden traffic situations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/keeping-winter-joint-pain-in-check\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stiff joints<\/a> and weaker muscles can make turning the wheel or checking blind spots more difficult.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Memory changes may also cause confusion at intersections or trouble following familiar routes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These natural changes don\u2019t always mean it\u2019s time to stop driving, but they do mean it\u2019s important to pay attention to safety behind the wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcPDs4kSadP0FstrwxnOpfF8qhNVErrgmvxTRVb9-N4inDMAFmoHolkmxI1xpqx1n3hRTEDG0LbtZZK6rD4XrHR0B8F1uFdCNYWtt5UpTifTwAhEzlNgebi2Ia66l8EqKuxnktPq1_iq4e8YBiIRSY?key=3qNZ_DXvi8cJ_KkR1wwgVGaR\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel\/#7_Warning_Signs_That_Driving_May_No_Longer_Be_Safe\" title=\"7 Warning Signs That Driving May No Longer Be Safe\">7 Warning Signs That Driving May No Longer Be Safe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel\/#The_Role_of_Medical_Conditions_and_Medications\" title=\"The Role of Medical Conditions and Medications\">The Role of Medical Conditions and Medications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel\/#How_to_Have_a_Conversation_About_Giving_Up_Driving\" title=\"How to Have a Conversation About Giving Up Driving\">How to Have a Conversation About Giving Up Driving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel\/#Encouraging_Your_Aging_Parent_to_Accept_Help\" title=\"Encouraging Your Aging Parent to Accept Help\">Encouraging Your Aging Parent to Accept Help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel\/#When_Its_Time_to_Take_Action\" title=\"When It\u2019s Time to Take Action\">When It\u2019s Time to Take Action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/should-your-senior-parent-still-be-behind-the-wheel\/#How_We_Support_Seniors_at_Always_Best_Care_of_Milwaukee\" title=\"How We Support Seniors at Always Best Care of Milwaukee\">How We Support Seniors at Always Best Care of Milwaukee<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Warning_Signs_That_Driving_May_No_Longer_Be_Safe\"><\/span>7 Warning Signs That Driving May No Longer Be Safe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, the signs that driving is becoming dangerous are easy to miss. A few minor mistakes may not seem like a big deal, but if they add up, they could put your parent\u2014and others on the road\u2014at risk. Watch for these warning signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Frequent close calls<\/strong>: If they have near misses, even if they haven\u2019t had an accident, it could mean slower reaction times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Difficulty staying in the lane<\/strong>: Drifting into other lanes or overcorrecting can indicate vision problems or trouble with coordination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Missing traffic signs or lights<\/strong>: Ignoring stop signs, not yielding, or running red lights can mean they aren\u2019t seeing or processing signals in time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Getting lost on familiar routes<\/strong>: If they struggle to navigate streets they\u2019ve known for years, it may be a sign of memory or cognitive issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dents or scratches on the car<\/strong>: Unexplained damage could mean they\u2019ve been in minor accidents without realizing it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More honking from other drivers<\/strong>: If they frequently receive honks or frustrated gestures, it may mean they\u2019re driving too slowly or making unexpected moves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased anxiety behind the wheel<\/strong>: If they seem nervous, hesitant, or overly cautious, it could be a sign that they no longer feel confident driving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Role_of_Medical_Conditions_and_Medications\"><\/span>The Role of Medical Conditions and Medications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certain health conditions can make driving more difficult.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vision loss from <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/tips-glaucoma-seniors-new-berlin-wi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">glaucoma<\/a> or cataracts can make it hard to see road signs and traffic lights.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/resources\/arthritis-friendly-exercises-for-seniors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arthritis<\/a> can make it painful to turn the steering wheel or look over the shoulder to check blind spots.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Memory loss or cognitive changes can cause confusion, hesitation, or trouble following directions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some medications also have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or delayed reaction times, all of which can make driving unsafe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular medical checkups and honest conversations can help determine whether it\u2019s time to look at other transportation options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeXtuVinA_oLwnRJ0rNmZ085bwRXZZR71KWpZtqmdUKj7r1JgufoIf-1qS4b2_1pi0xx07WUw7Z2NoAKeKMNbnfbrf58OVDe9zEZQzvDc3YFyIjKq_ZcrryjVGU3HRk84vs6WX3_w66XP41x4iwDHs?key=3qNZ_DXvi8cJ_KkR1wwgVGaR\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Have_a_Conversation_About_Giving_Up_Driving\"><\/span>How to Have a Conversation About Giving Up Driving<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talking about driving can be a sensitive subject. No one wants to feel like they\u2019re losing control over their life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of telling them what they can\u2019t do, start by asking open-ended questions. <em>\u201cHow do you feel when you drive at night?\u201d<\/em> or <em>\u201cHave you noticed any changes in how other drivers react to you?\u201d<\/em> can open the door to a conversation without making them feel defensive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A calm and supportive approach helps them feel heard rather than pressured. If they are resistant, a doctor\u2019s opinion or a professional driving assessment can offer an outside perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Encouraging_Your_Aging_Parent_to_Accept_Help\"><\/span>Encouraging Your Aging Parent to Accept Help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Letting go of driving can feel like a loss of freedom, but it doesn\u2019t have to mean losing independence. <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/encouraging-your-aging-parent-to-accept-help\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Many seniors resist help<\/a> because they don\u2019t want to feel like a burden, but finding ways to make them comfortable with support can ease the transition. Offering a few options rather than forcing one solution helps them feel in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alternatives like rideshare apps, senior transportation programs, or family ride schedules can show them that they still have ways to get around. If they\u2019re worried about feeling stuck at home, setting up regular outings for errands, social events, or doctor\u2019s appointments can help them feel reassured.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Always Best Care of Milwaukee, we provide transportation services so seniors can continue their daily activities without the stress of driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Its_Time_to_Take_Action\"><\/span>When It\u2019s Time to Take Action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If driving has become a major safety concern and your parent refuses to stop, more steps may need to be taken.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A professional driving evaluation can provide an unbiased assessment of their abilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, family members may need to consult with doctors or state agencies to determine whether their licenses should be reviewed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These conversations can be difficult, but prioritizing safety is the most important thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfeY3PUosW4WXxuSJ0e9S7QmbjIzjoifS1pqGrjDxNMTrqFCOqrQdkyBWVzU7gH5I4b-aYjo-eWXTI6t0AduDCqHBeizKXkuxnGjK0UZBv_cr3I_km449U9KoBiGXzL0_-clCLW-HZT7Q7Abo-OhQ?key=3qNZ_DXvi8cJ_KkR1wwgVGaR\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_We_Support_Seniors_at_Always_Best_Care_of_Milwaukee\"><\/span>How We Support Seniors at Always Best Care of Milwaukee<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Always Best Care of Milwaukee, we understand that giving up driving is a major life change. That\u2019s why we offer reliable transportation, companionship, and support to help seniors stay active and independent. Whether it\u2019s getting to appointments, running errands, or simply enjoying a day out, we\u2019re here to help make life easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/brookfield\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact Always Best Care of Milwaukee<\/a> at <a href=\"tel:(262) 439-8616\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(262) 439-8616<\/a> to learn more and schedule your free consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Help your senior parent in Milwaukee, WI, assess driving safety with in-home care support focused on independence, well-being, and peace of mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":14788,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[169,166,234],"tags":[489,490,491,492,493,494],"class_list":["post-14787","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aging-well","category-tips","category-senior-care"],"acf":{"background_image_blog_posts":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14787"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14787\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14790,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14787\/revisions\/14790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/greatermilwaukee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}