When Should a Senior Quit Driving?

After reading this article in the New York Times today, I thought I’d talk about taking away what most seniors see as the thing that keeps them independent: the car keys.

There are a lot of seniors who can safely and competently drive, but we’ve all seen seniors who really should NOT be driving. While many seniors see not driving as the nail in the coffin of their independence, the many drivers, cyclists and children on the road see it as extremely important.

If you answer yes to the following questions, think about talking with your loved one about not driving.

·         Can they pass a vision test? (Cataracts, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration can all impact vision quality).

·         Are there any unexplained dents in the paint of the car or on the garage

·         Does the senior allow others to ride in the car with them when they are driving?

·         Does the senior seem nervous or extra anxious when driving?

·         Does the senior take alternate routes to avoid major highways?

·         Does the senior fail to stop at red lights or stop signs?

·         Are speed limits obeyed (Not driving too slow or too fast)?

·         Have neighbors or others who see the senior driving (anyone who also attends a regular event they may drive to) observed anything unsafe?

If you do determine that your favorite senior shouldn’t be driving remember the following points when approaching them about it.

• Be respectful: Remember that they’ve been driving a long time and asking them to stop is a big change.
• Give specific examples of instances that they’ve put themselves or others in danger while driving.
• Find strength in numbers: remember that if a senior isn’t driving, they will need your support to get where they need to go. A commitment from the whole family can mean a lot to them!
• Help find alternatives: offer solutions to their objections. Have a plan to get them where they need to go.
• Support them during the transition: spend enough time with them to really understand their transportation needs and make the change as smooth as possible by being available to help when needed.

When all else fails, it may be helpful to get your loved one’s physician or home health social worker involved.