A recent spot on ABC’s Good Morning America highlighted the question of how old is too old to drive. The piece reported the horrific results of a truck driven down the wrong side of a California interstate. At the wheel was an 83 year old gentleman. Thankfully no one in the crash was seriously injured.
This event and others like it speak to the risk that continues to grow as Baby Boomers age. How can communities prepare for the problem as many more drivers remain on the road when they probably shouldn’t? How do families approach their parents when it becomes apparent that they may no longer be safe on the road?
Some tips to consider when the time comes for a family to make a determination on their parent’s ability to drive,
- Follow your gut instincts! Have you noticed a change in your parent’s driving ability? Are they more hesitant, slower to react or more reluctant to drive on busy streets? Inquire about changes they may notice but remember subtlety is key!
- Rule out medical causes. You may need to go to a doctor’s appointment with them. Make sure that any changes in abilities aren’t a result of a medical issue. What you are observing may be the outcome of a loss in vision or hearing, or the slowing down of reaction time. Some of these issues come with reasonable solutions
- Observe first hand what’s going on. Take a trip with your parent to the grocery store or to church and let them drive. This is good time to watch for any changes in their skills.
- Is it time for a “family meeting?” If alarming changes are present it’s probably time for the family to meet. For families separated by distance a phone or on-line conference call works.
- Develop a plan. Every family works differently. There is not “one size fits all” solution. How will the family address this situation and who is best suited to this task? Does the family need an outside facilitator?
- Remember – Offer your observations without accusation. Be empathic, gentle, supportive. One of the greatest losses one is confronted with as they age is the loss of independence. How do you react when your car is in the shop for repairs??? Try to imagine what this would be like for the rest of your life!
- Now what? Having a plan in place moving forward is paramount. The less drastic the change to their life and routines the more accepting they may be. Be able to put a plan in place that will assist them to get to medical appointments, grocery shopping , the hair salon, church. Create a team of family, neighbors, friends, volunteers who can pitch in. Research the community senior shuttles or transport systems.
- You may not succeed. No one wants to be dependent. Part of the plan must include ways in which your parents can stay active and not become house bound. Again, the community is a good place to look for senior programs and activities that may include transportation availability.
Seniors’ ability to continue driving may be evaluated by rehab specialists:
- AAA has a Roadwise Review including a CD for review
- Kessler Institute provides a driving Rehab Program on all of their campuses in NJ
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison provides a course as well
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