Having the 'Driving' Conversation With Older Clients, or Their Parents

Over the past few months, I have noticed many articles in newpapers, magazines and trade publications addressing the question of  when the appropriate time is to "take away the keys" from parents, spouses or a friend. Your clients may be facing these questions, for themselves or their parents or other family members.

Whether you notice dents in the car that were not there previously or changes in driving patterns (not wanting to drive at night), these and other developments may be the cues that the time has come for this difficult discussion. Any discussion about changes, especially about driving cessation, can be quite uncomfortable for both parties involved for many reasons (see my previous blog posting on ‘Starting the Conversation.’). It means a loss of freedom and independence for the individual affected.  It is also a "role reversal" for many of us or our clients who have elderly parents or spouses with whom we need to have the conversation.