Seniors and Driving

There is perhaps nothing that strikes terror more in the heart of an elderly driver than the words, “It is time to stop driving.” The impact of these can be even more powerful and devastating to some seniors than the diagnosis of a debilitating illness. Because driving in our culture is so closely related to a person’s sense of independence, the decision to take action to limit or revoke an older person’s driving rights is a very emotional one.

Even considering the idea of taking the car away from a parent is difficult for an adult child for two reasons. First, an adult son or daughter may feel that if they take away the car/driving rights, they are to blame for their parent’s loss of freedom, and may worry about the ensuing consequences such as frustration, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and depression. Second is the practical issue of mobility and transportation. Many wonder. “If my mother/father can no longer drive themselves, who is going to do it? How will they get around? How can I keep them safe while protecting their sense of freedom?”

Though emotions can run high when it is time to limit or revoke driving rights, it is important to base your decision on concrete information. Aging very often does affect abilities necessary to safely operate a vehicle. There can be a slowdown in response time, a loss of clarity in vision and hearing, a loss of muscle strength and flexibility, and a reduction in the ability to focus or concentrate. Any one of these impairments can lead to unsuitability for safe driving – regardless of age – and are often seen increasingly as the aging process progresses. And though feelings are strong around this issue, it is best to step back and consider the well-being of all involved: your parents, other drivers, and pedestrians.

Fortunately, there are a sources of outside authority and help you can turn to. If your mother or father has been diagnosed with any type of cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.), he or she should not be driving at all. Your parent’s doctor would vouch to this.
The DMV can be another ally in this process. Depending on your state’s regulations and your parent’s disabilities, it may actually be illegal for him or her to continue driving. After you have contacted the DMV, they may do nothing more than send a letter, but this might help convince your parent to stop driving. You could also request a vision test, which, if not satisfactorily passed, makes it illegal to operate a car.

Another route to take can be to literally confiscate the keys, disable the car, or move it to a location beyond your parent’s access. While more extreme, these measures could save the lives of your mother or father, other drivers, and pedestrians – allowing them all to stay around longer to enrich your life and enjoy theirs.

It is important to seek out available help in these situations. There is no need to do it all alone. Care-giving can be incredibly stressful, and besides practical help, you need all the emotional support you can muster. The common desire to do everything for an older loved one often leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, which not only depletes you, but goes contrary to your original goal of making the situation better. Hiring a caregiver to help assist you with an elderly loved one is an effective strategy. A caregiver can compassionately share the burden of care-taking responsibilities while allowing you to maintain and enhance the quality of your life and that of your loved one. Visit us on the web http://www.seniorhomecareusa.com