1. What are driving "adaptive devices" that help seniors drive safely?
2. What is a restricted license?
3. What is a driver’s refresher course?
4. My parent’s driving skills have suddenly declined. What should I do?
5. How can I know if my parent’s driving has become dangerous?
6. How do I convince my parent that it is time to give up the keys?
7. What transportation options are available to elders who no longer drive?
8. I took away the keys and now my parent won’t speak to me. What can I do?
1. What are driving "adaptive devices" that help seniors drive safely?
Adaptive devices are a wide variety of products and technology designed to help older drivers manage more easily on the road. These range from automatic car starters to wider-angle mirrors and back-up alerts. These can greatly increase elder driving safety.
2. What is a restricted license?
A restricted license can help your parent transition to the day when driving is no longer an option. Restrictions may include not driving at night or during rush hour.
3. What is a driver’s refresher course?
Driving courses are not just for teenagers. A refresher course can help improve an elder’s driving skills and keep them safely on the road longer. Check with your local DMV or driving schools.
4. My parent’s driving skills have suddenly declined. What should I do?
A rapid decline in driving skills could be the result of several factors. Before insisting they give up driving for good, get their hearing and vision checked. A hearing aid or new glasses could be a simple fix. Look into all their medications. Side effects may be drowsiness or confusion. Watch the cocktails. As people age, they have a lower tolerance for alcohol. Plus, mixing alcohol and medication can wreak havoc on driving skills. Poor driving may also be a symptom of a medical condition that has yet to be diagnosed, so make an appointment with their doctor for a physical exam.
5. How can I know if my parent’s driving has become dangerous?
See Warning Signs that indicate that it may be time for your loved one to stop driving.
6. How do I convince my parent that it is time to give up the keys?
First, be sure the problems you’re having with their driving can’t be fixed (See #1 and #3). Then check out our warning signs checklist. If you truly believe the time has come, start with a heart-to-heart conversation. Timing is everything, so make sure your parent or loved one is relaxed and that the setting is private. Bringing it up at a family party is not going to go well. Be frank about your concerns, but also be gentle and loving. Perhaps show them articles relating stories of elders involved in serious accidents. Share your concerns for their safety and the safety of others. Talk about all the ways they can still get around. (See #7) Help them come up with a plan for getting around. If this doesn’t work, insist that they be tested. If they refuse, consider writing a letter to your state’s DMV that shares your concerns. The DMV will then contact your parent and have them come in for an assessment.
7. What transportation options are available to elders who no longer drive?
Try to be available for a regularly scheduled shopping trip as well as for spontaneous drives. Enlist the help of family and friends. In addition, many areas provide senior vans and busses along with public transportation. Hired help, such as a home health aide or driver can keep your loved one out and about. Be sure to check with your local agency on aging and senior centers for all the options in your parent’s neighborhood.
8. I took away the keys and now my parent won’t speak to me. What can I do?
Give your loved one time. Change is hard, and giving up driving can be particularly tough. Try to be available to give rides – even if your time in the car together is awkwardly quiet! It won’t be long before your parent adjusts and maybe even realizes you’ve acted out of love and concern.
