“I just noticed another dent on Mom’s car.” “Dad just told me he forgot how to get home from his barber shop last week.  “Mom had to have a right knee and hip replaced.  Will she be able to stop the car quickly, if she needs to?”  “My parents are in their 80’s. Is it safe for them to still drive?”

One of the most dreaded conversations aging parents and adult-children anticipate is the one about a parent’s driving. While adjustments may be all that are needed, at one point, driving simply may no longer be safe – for the parent or for others.  Ceasing to drive is a significant step regardless of how the decision is made, who makes the decision or the reason for decision. Join Jane Everson and Frances Hall, two adult-child caregivers, along with their guests, as they navigate the frequently mysterious, often frightening, and sometime humorous world of caregiving.  If you are juggling the needs of spouses, children, step-children, pets, work, volunteer activities and parents and in-laws, this show is for you.

In this episode, Jane talks with Ms. Miriam Young, a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist with Frye Regional Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina. Ms. Young has a master’s degree in occupational therapy. In this session, we will help listeners identify the signs that a parent may need a driving evaluation and/or need to retire from driving, understand the driving evaluation process and discuss strategies for holding the conversation and considering other transportation options.  

This episode is sponsored by the Greater Hickory Kia Classic at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, NC. For tickets and additional information go to www.greaterhickorykiaclassic.com