I had the opportunity to speak with Melanie Henry, who specializes in driver rehabilitation and cognitive driving assessments for older adults. If you have aging loved ones or work with older adults, this episode is an invaluable listen.Key Takeaways:Recognizing Warning Signs Matters: Subtle changes—like increased irritability while driving, new dents or scrapes, or changes in social driving habits—could signal it’s time to reassess driving abilities.Compassionate Conversations Are Key: When approaching this sensitive topic, coming from a place of care, preparation, and concrete examples (like ride-alongs) makes all the difference. Avoid assumptions based merely on age.Assessment & Independence: Tools now exist to objectively assess driving safety, combining cognitive and on-road evaluations. Many older adults remain safe drivers, and having a clear, unbiased assessment can provide much-needed peace of mind for everyone involved.This conversation is never easy, but with the right information and a compassionate approach, we can prioritize safety while honoring independence.Listen to the episode, share it with those who may need it, and let’s keep our roads—and our loved ones—safe.Moments00:00 Driving Instructor and Rehab Professional03:49 Cognitive Driving Assessment Technology07:45 Driving Safety with Cognitive Decline10:28 "Driver Observation and Safety Chat"16:47 Driving Retirement Transition Struggles18:19 Dementia, Family Decisions, and Driving23:57 Dementia, Driving Concerns, Awareness24:55 Cognitive Impairment & Collision Risks28:39 "Support with Love and Strategy"Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.comAging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.comCopyright 2026 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode:Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa StockdaleThanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.