Taking away a parent's vehicle is very difficult, especially if the parent lives in an area where there is little or no public transportation. Driving often means independence to the elderly and having this taken away means that he or she now needs to rely more on others. It is helpful to talk to the parent and find out what driving means to them and what fears they have in giving up this up. This information helps in forming a plan to get these needs met.
You may want to contact the person's primary health care provider and ask that he or she meet with you and your parent to discuss the issue. If the news comes from a third party and someone with authority, such as a doctor, your parent may be more receptive.
You might also discuss using public transportation and explore if or how family members might be able to help. You might consider setting up a schedule of where you or other family members can take your parent shopping or other places. Your parent can then still have some independence.
Finally, remember that maintaining your parent's dignity in the process is important and their safety and the safety of others is your primary concern.
For more information, you might visit this extension article on driving.
You might also visit www.aarp.org and www.alz.org.
