One of the toughest battles many caregivers face is convincing their elders to quit driving when it’s no longer safe for them to do so. Even after family members realize their elders should no longer be behind the wheel, they often are at a loss as to how to approach their elder about driving cessation. Adult children and spouses of those with dementia know their loved one depends on driving as evidence–both symbolic and practical–of independence. Who wants to take that privilege away from anyone?
ElderCarelink Blog
Is it time to take away your elder’s car keys?
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefNovember 15th, 2011 at 10:14 am
Four ways to help elders keep their balance
by Dorian MartinOctober 31st, 2011 at 10:16 am
My 86-year-old father fell again recently. These missteps are worrisome since falls account for 70% of accidental deaths in people age 75 and older, according to the American Family Physician. Therefore, Dad’s experiences may provide important insights that can help other elders avoid falling.
Elders and wandering into trouble
by Judy KirkwoodOctober 25th, 2011 at 9:28 am
My Dad always checked the locks on the doors every night, making sure everyone was safe. That was his job as a husband and father. It became an obsession as his Alzheimer’s progressed. If he could lock the doors, he could unlock them, and one night he let himself outside. It was dark and cold and he was in his pajamas and robe, and so sensitive to cold that we warmed his blankets in the dryer every night at tuck-in.
Successful aging: from a parent’s perspective – Part 2
by Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A. CCC/SLPOctober 19th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
This post is Part II of Successful Aging: From a Parent’s Perspective
In the previous blog post, we discussed the difficulties some parents have when discussing the issues related to aging, from future wishes to health care directives. If the time has arrived for serious conversations, putting a plan in place can help reduce any friction or distance between elders and their adult children.
Successful aging: from a parent’s perspective – Part 1
by Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A. CCC/SLPOctober 11th, 2011 at 11:57 am
Although much can be said for the frustrations of the adult children when trying to initiate conversations about the safety and quality of life concerns with their parents, there is a new trend emerging. I’ve discovered–more frequently–after my presentations on successful aging, older adults ask what to do when it is important to talk about their wishes, their concerns and planning for the future and they get the brush off from their family members.
