You Can’t Drive Anymore - How to tell your elderly mom, dad, grandparent or loved one that they can no longer drive a car? 

Many years ago my father had to tell my great aunt that she could no longer drive her car.  She was not very happy but it was done for her safety and the safety of others.  She had passed into old age and her reaction time was not what it had been when she was younger.  Taking someone’s car keys away is a real hard thing to do. 

 Is there an easier way to take someone’s car keys away?

 Yes - Contact your loved one’s doctor and let them know about your concern over their driving.  Schedule a routine physical exam for the person and let the doctor determine based on basic dexterity tests if the person can drive safely or not.  This separates you from the decision and will keep the person from blaming you for taking their car away.

©Assisted Living Store, Inc. (February 18, 2008)