RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LIVING
Your Questions Answered by Dawn Lyons
Dawn Lyons General Manager, Queensview Retirement Community
THE BEST IN THE WORLD OVER 50s HOUSING MULTI-YEAR WINNER Visit,Live it,Love it
70 King Edward Street,Paris,Ont
As General Manager of Queensview Retirement Community, and over 25 years of experience, I know that more of us are needing to make smart retirement decisions and I’m happy to help. Email me your inquiries on retirement living: [email protected] It is important to know when, and how, to transition our aging loved ones from driver to passenger, at the same time maintaining their self-esteem, sense of independence and, most importantly, freedom. To be certain the news will be difficult to hear ; however, if approached the right way, it can be less stressful than expected. Tip of the week: Plan to have more than one conversation: Approach the subject gradually. Time the conversations carefully: Ideally, the conversations should start before there’s a problem. If you see signs that your loved one is having trouble behind the wheel, start the discussion immediately. Choose the messenger carefully. Your loved one may prefer to have the discussion with a spouse rather than with children,or with another peer such as a sibling or close friend. Do your homework: Observe your loved one behind the wheel.Talkwithhisorherdoctorabout any health conditions or medications that may affect driving ability. Seize opportunities. Health changes, near-accidents and actual accidents all open the door to a conversation about driving. Suggest screenings: Hospitals and other health facilities
may offer evaluations for older drivers or assessment through the Ministryof Transportation or research for certified Driver Instructor in your area. Expect push back: Giving up the keys means giving up independence and self-reliance. Be sensitive to this, and if possible have a plan that will keep them as independent as possible. Suggest gradual cut backs: Instead of giving up driving cold turkey, a driver could reduce the number of hours on the road or start driving only during the day time on familiar routes. Have solutions ready: Research alternatives to driving, such as nearby public transit, senior transportation services in your loved one’s community, carpools, or family members or friends who would be willing and able to give rides. Take the keys: If all else fails, it might become necessary to confiscate the keys, disable the vehicle, or remove it altogether. If a senior doesn’t remember that he or she is not supposed to drive. Personal safety and the safety of others, must be at the heart of all discussions. A visit, or a lunch are good ways to experiencethecommunity.Evenbetter, try an overnight stay as this will enable you to connect with residents and talk with them about their experiences. Queensview Retirement Community offers independent, enhanced, short termandrecuperativestays.Weprovide complimentary consultations, home visits and personalized orientations. We are here for you, please call us at 519-442-5621.Queensviewrc.ca
