Driving is an extremely important part of just about everyone’s life. We all remember passing our driving test and finally getting our license and very first car.
Driving is about more than just controlling a motor vehicle; it’s about independence, freedom, and adventure.
It’s understandable, then, why many of our aging loved ones are reluctant to hand over the keys. It’s difficult for them to admit that they are no longer safe to drive, when driving is the number one way they stay connected to others.
It’s important not to take away this key aspect of your loved one’s lifestyle before it’s really time.
Here are some of the key things to consider when determining if your loved one is no longer safe to drive:
Medications
Any medications your loved one is taking could potentially impair their ability to drive, especially when considering the combined side effects of more than one medication. Many medications include drowsiness as a side effect, making them particularly dangerous when it comes to driving.
If you’re concerned your loved one’s driving ability is affected by their medications, check in with them and their doctor. Find out if the medications really are to blame, and if so, ask if they can take a different medication that won’t affect their ability to get behind the wheel.
Eyesight
The number one sense used while driving is vision. Eyesight declines with age, making it one of the top reasons for someone to stop driving.
Glaucoma, cataracts, and overall decreased vision all become more common with age. These conditions can make it nearly impossible to drive. Being able to see other cars, road signs, and see well at night are a big part of what makes a driver safe.
It’s important for your loved one to get a yearly eye exam as well as treatment for these conditions if they wish to continue driving. Plus, an optometrist can offer a professional opinion on whether or not they are safe to drive.
Hearing
Hearing is another important sense when it comes to putting the pedal to the metal, yet it’s also something that becomes more difficult with age.
The ability to hear sirens, car horns, and even a car near you is imperative to being safe while on the road. Be sure to have your loved one get an annual hearing exam, and spring for hearing aids if it’s recommended by their doctor.
Mobility
The most basic driving skills such as switching from the gas pedal to the brake, turning the steering wheel, and checking your blind spot can all become increasingly difficult with age.
Age can make turning your neck to check your blind spot painful or impossible, which makes changing lanes a danger. Being able to swiftly change from the gas pedal to the brake is essential for safe driving, as turning the steering wheel. All of these functions and more can become difficult due to pain or illness that comes with age.
If your loved one is having difficulty with the basics of driving, check in with them and their doctor. Some specialists are able to recommend car modifications to make driving easier for your aging loved one.
History
If you find out that your loved one is experiencing frequent close calls on the road, it’s a clear sign that it may be time for them to stop driving.
Close calls can include an increased number of driving citations, and increase in insurance, and dents and dings on your loved one’s car. They may also experience forgetfulness, easily getting lost in familiar areas, or other dangerous situations they may not have found themselves in when they were younger.
Is It Time for Your Loved One to Stop Driving?
If you determine it’s time for your loved one to stop driving, it’s important to broach the subject in a kind and understanding manner. Giving up something so important to their freedom is difficult, and it may be hard for them to accept.
AARP, along with The Hartford and MIT AgeLab, have created a free online seminar that details the best way to have this conversation.
Once you’ve had the conversation, the next step is to make sure your loved one still has a reliable method of transportation to get to doctor appointments and social outings.
Bluebird Homecare is here to help. Our expert caregivers can help ensure that your loved one has reliable and safe transportation for every errand and appointment. Whether they need transportation to the doctor’s office, beauty salon, barber shop, their book club meeting, or to visit with friends, Bluebird can help them get there.
