Many family caregivers see something happen while their loved one is driving and mention it right there and then. While directness when it comes to safety is definitely important, there might be more times when it’s better not to criticize your loved one while she’s in the midst of driving.
You’re Dividing Her Attention
The biggest problem when you’re offering criticism while your loved one is driving is that you are taking at least a portion of her attention off the road and what’s happening there. Even if she doesn’t look away from the road, her mind is going to be on what you’re sharing with her.
This Can Feel Confrontational and Aggressive
Being criticized while you’re in the middle of doing something can feel confrontational and aggressive to just about anyone. In fact, your loved one is likely to experience some hurt feelings over the situation. Think about how you would feel if the situation were reversed and try to use that information to help you wait for a more appropriate time and place to share your concerns.
Your Loved One May Not Drive with You as a Passenger Anymore
A side effect of this kind of timing could be that your loved one flat out refuses to drive while you’re her passenger. This is devastating for multiple reasons. First of all, you’ve put a wedge between your loved one and yourself. Another reason this is bad is that you won’t have any objective information about your loved one’s driving anymore unless someone else is able to tell you about what happened.
What to Do Instead
There’s a lot that you can do instead of criticizing right there in the car. You can make a mental note about what happened and bring it up later with your loved one after you’re both in a good frame of mind. You can also make sure that your loved one has other options available to her for transportation, such as friends and family who are willing to drive or senior care providers who can drive for your loved one on shorter notice.
Try your best to wait for the right time and place to talk to your loved one about her driving. She’s less likely to be defensive and you can have a meaningful conversation that actually helps both of you.
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Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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