Driving and Older Adults—An Issue of Independence
As ElderCare Specialists, one of the questions we often hear is “How do I know when it is time for my loved one to stop driving?” The fact of the matter is that if you are asking this question it is most likely because you have noted changes with an older adult’s driving, and have good reason for being concerned.
This is one of the more difficult problems to address for many family members. As a person gets older they may face a number of losses. The loss of independence is especially hard for many people, and losing the ability to drive safely is a major form of this loss. The freedom of being able to get behind the wheel and go where we want, whenever we want, is wonderful to experience. Having a driver’s license is also a status symbol of sorts. It shows that we are active, productive adults, and that we have earned this privilege.
Driving is a privilege though, that is key. It is not a right. When we get in our cars we are taking not only our own lives in our hands, but also the lives of others. As a person gets older there are many physiological changes. Reaction time may become slower. Vision and hearing may become impaired. Flexibility and mobility may decrease. Older adults also frequently take medications or have health conditions that can affect one’s ability to drive. A combination of these factors often leads to an unsafe situation.
To help identify and avoid this risk there are Safe Driving programs, such as AARP’s 55/Alive program. The course is designed to increase awareness about changes we may experience as we get older, and to educate the older adult regarding ways to compensate for these changes. As an incentive, many auto insurance companies will offer a discount for completion of such programs. There are also more and more transportation options available to older adults, as awareness about this issue increases, and as our population ages. These resources are often free of charge or at a reduced rate for seniors.
It is understandable that most family members do not want to be in the position of having to ask a loved one to stop driving. However, it is not always the case that the physician or other authorities will have the awareness needed to mandate this change, and therefore the responsibility does often fall upon those closest to the older adult. To help identify when that time may be approaching AARP outlines some warning signs and questions to ask including: Have there been more “close calls” or an increase in scrapes and dents on the car, garage, mailbox, etc.? Is there an increase in other drivers honking or appearing angry when your loved one is driving? Has your loved one voiced fear or discomfort about getting behind the wheel, or are they becoming more reluctant to travel to places they normally would? Do they have trouble paying attention, staying in their lane, or judging distances? Have they had an increase in actual accidents, traffic tickets, or warnings? If you answer yes to these questions, it is important to make the physician aware of your concerns, and to speak to your loved one about the changes you are noticing. In cases when an open discussion is not an option, keep in mind that there is an anonymous Driver Condition Report that can be used to alert the authorities to what is possibly an unsafe situation. These steps may not be easy to take, but keep in mind the possible consequences of doing nothing. By taking action, you could be saving lives.
For additional information about resources mentioned in this article including Safe Driving programs and transportation options in your community, or to discuss your individual concerns, please contact your ElderCare Specialist at 314-802-6291 or mrobinson@standrews1.com.