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There’s no specific age that’s considered too old to drive yourself or live alone, and many older adults are understandably reluctant to give up that level of independence. My great-grandmother famously renewed her driver’s license at age 100, because “You never know when you might need it.” My wife’s grandmother lived alone in her own home alone until she was in her 90s. But if you’ve started to worry about a loved one and think you may need to take their keys or suggest a new living arrangement, you understand that it can be hard to start that conversation.

 

Balancing your parents’ desires for freedom and independence with your concerns for their safety can be complicated and emotional for everyone involved. In addition, many older adults live in suburbs or rural areas without much access to public transportation, and a recent report to Congress states that ten percent of family caregivers live over an hour away from the relatives who need their care.

 

This article from Forbes offers some strategies for determining when to have the talk, and tips for how to do it. If you have questions or need additional resources, get in touch.

 

See you on the trail.

Post by Peter Harrison

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