A Conversation About Aging Parents

True story (with names changed for anonymity.)

I’m having brunch with friends when the conversation turns to our aging parents. My friend Susan says how proud she is of her Mom, who is 82 and living independently:

“She’s doing well! Except I had to have a conversation with her about being a passenger when her friend, Bob, drives.

“My Mom explained that Bob lost his peripheral vision and can’t see if cars are approaching from the left or right, so his wife, Margie, tells him if a car is coming. She’s his second set of eyes.’”

Susan said she wanted to laugh but instead became worried. She asked her Mom:

“Isn’t Margie the one with dementia? And she’s the one watching for cars?”

Susan went on:

“That’s when I realized I had to have a conversation with my Mom about making better choices when choosing who to ride with. Once I pointed out the dangers of riding with them, she was disappointed but understood.”

We all want our aging parents or friends to enjoy life---to remain mobile, run errands, go to appointments or entertainment—and not be restricted to a facility or a few rooms. But riding with an unsafe driver is not the answer to freedom in our mature years.

It’s stories like this that remind us why we do what we do at SilverCare Concierge. We help people live independently as long as possible. We started this customized service because our own parents needed help with life’s everyday tasks, like running to the supermarket or a medical appointment. Sure, it’s nice to have friends who can drive you where you need to go, but if your friends (or your parents’ friends) should no longer drive, then you (or your parents) should no longer ride with them. It’s simple math: two people with diminished skills do not add up to one competent driver.

We can get you where you need to be. Safely.