15. Shifting Gears: Knowing When It’s Time For Seniors to Stop Driving

Is it time to talk to a loved one about giving up the keys? This episode of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast explores one of the hardest transitions families face: deciding when it’s time for a senior to stop driving.

Our guest, Mark Healy of Senior Care Authority in the Dayton/Cincinnati area, shares expert advice from the Beyond Driving with Dignity program—a nationally recognized resource designed to help families evaluate senior driving ability with compassion, dignity, and objectivity.

Whether you’re concerned about a parent’s safety behind the wheel or preparing for a future conversation, this episode offers practical guidance, emotional insight, and helpful resources for navigating this tough but necessary topic.

🔑 In This Episode:

• The emotional and practical challenges of senior driving
• How to know when it’s time for a senior to stop driving
• Signs of declining driving ability and red flags to watch for
• How to talk to a loved one about driving without damaging your relationship
• What to do after the decision is made—support systems and transportation alternatives
• What the Beyond Driving with Dignity self-assessment includes
• How families can work with professionals to reduce conflict and guilt

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Loss of driving can feel like a loss of freedom—acknowledge the emotion
• Objective support from trained professionals helps reduce family tension
• Planning ahead can make the transition smoother and less traumatic
• There are safe, respectful ways to approach this sensitive issue

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Beyond Driving with Dignity – Cincinnati, OH
• Senior Care Authority Cincinnati
• DownsizingRoadmap.com – for podcast episodes, events, and workshops

🎧 Listen, Subscribe & Share

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be going through this transition with a parent or loved one.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to Follow our show so you never miss a new one. We’re here for your downsizing questions — on the podcast, in your community, and when you’re ready to move. As Realtors®, we can connect you with the right specialists to make your next chapter smoother. We’d love to hear from you!

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