For most people, once they reach a certain age, it is no longer safe for them to be operating a vehicle. However, knowing when the right moment to hang up the keys is isn’t something that many people can or will determine on their own. Because of this, many people find that they have to speak with and convince their loved ones that it’s time to stop driving. So if you have a loved one who isn’t yet in assisted living but probably shouldn’t be driving anymore, here are three tips for speaking with them about hanging up their car keys. 

Set Guidelines Before They’re Necessary

As your loved one starts to get older but can still safely be on the roads, you might want to consider having a preliminary conversation with them about when it could come time for them to stop driving. By putting some guidelines out together, you can help them to determine when it could objectively be time for them to stop driving. And by encouraging them to help you make these determinations, it can also be their idea for when it comes time for them to stop driving.

One thing you might want to include in the guidelines is someone who your loved one can defer to to help determine when it’s time for them to stop driving. If they themselves say that they trust one of their children to make this decision for them, then when that decision is made, they should have an easier time coming to terms with it. 

Speak With Others Who Know Them First

If you feel that the time has come for your loved one to stop driving, you may want to speak with other people who know and love them before you come to them with the conversation. By doing this, you will give yourself additional support in your desire to keep them safe. You can also ask if others have noticed the same signs as you have that your loved one should stop driving. 

Have The Conversation One-On-One

When it comes time for you to have the actual conversation with your elderly loved one about having them hang up their keys, it’s wise to do so one-on-one.

Many people feel that their independence is closely tied to their ability to continue driving. And when people have their independence threatened, it can make them upset. Adding to this the feelings of being ganged up on by multiple people and your loved one could have a hard time swallowing this pill. With this in mind, try first having a conversation about quitting driving with just you and your elderly loved one before bringing in the big guns. 

If you have an elderly loved one that you think should stop driving, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know how to bring this up.