A Reason for Seniors to Move

How do you know when it's time to talk with Mom and Dad about no longer driving?  I don't know about you, but if someone told me they were taking away my car keys, I'd be lost. In Minnesota we have very limited public transportation, so if I lived in the suburbs I don't even know how I'd get to the Pharmacy.

I recently worked with a gentlemen who was no longer able to drive, and this was his primary reason for moving.  He wanted to live in an indpedent senior housing apartment that had transportation services so he could still get out and about without having to learn how to use the bus system.

It's important to note this client was young, healthy and vibrant.  Not being able to drive isn't about age, it's about ability.  Age-by itself-is not a good predictor of driving ability. Older drivers are more likely to obey speed limits, wear safety belts, and take fewer risks.

So, how do you know it's time to talk with mom, dad or grandparents about no more driving? Here are some Warning Signs that driving is getting more challenging for the older person:

• Abrupt lane changes, breaking or acceleration (This is my husband!)
• Slow reaction to environmental changes
• More close calls or accidents
• Failure to use signal lights or leaving signal lights on (I've done this)
• Drifting into other lanes  (my husband does this despite my complaining)
• Appears fearful, overly cautious
• Has trouble reading road signs
• Believes honking of other drives is not due to them
• Misses exits, turns (I've done this--a lot)
• Difficulty operating the car due to limited range of motion

(Jan Green, Miss Daisy's Driving, the CSA Journal issue 34).

Some transportation resources for seniors:

• Local Block Nurse Programs
• Store to Door

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