To Drive or Not to Drive

That is the question. . . .

More than any other activity, driving is directly linked to senior citizens’ sense of independence. It takes them back to their youth and days of freedom. But the time may come when you, as a caregiver, will have to decide whether your elder should continue driving.

Take a hard look. Should your elder still be operating a motor vehicle?

If you believe he (or she) is still competent behind the wheel, consider having him retested at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If he passes, you can then try to make it more comfortable for him to drive.

Here are 10 easy steps to take:

1. Make clear maps and put them in plastic so they are stationary and easier to read.
2. Limit or restrict radio use.
3. Restrict cell phone use to when the car is parked and turned off. In some states this is the law; in others, it’s just a good safety guideline.
4. Be sure the car is clean, gassed, and in good working order.
5. Be sure the windows are clean inside and out and the windshield wipers are in top working condition.
6. Have your elder take a defensive driving class to learn any new laws and safety techniques or to reinforce what he or she already knows.
7. Ensure your elder is never under the influence of alcohol or of medication that causes drowsiness or impairs reaction time, hearing, or vision.
8. Subscribe to a roadside service in case of emergency.
9. Be sure the car insurance is up to date.
10. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in both the glove compartment and in your elder’s wallet.

If you find that your elder is driving erratically or exhibiting poor judgment that can endanger his or her life or the lives of others, then driving privileges must be revoked.

But don’t just take the keys away. Be sensitive about the situation, and plan how you’re going to take them away. You must understand that elders will be focused on how not having a car is going to negatively affect their independence and social life. I suggest trying to turn their thought process around. Talk about what they could lose if a terrible accident were to occur. They need to understand that the potential for harming themselves and others is very real. Make sure that you explain the liability issues thoroughly.

Having driving privileges revoked often causes a host of problems for elders. They lose social status, their primary source of transportation, and the ability to easily purchase food and bring it home. They could find it difficult to attend social gatherings and help friends, as they’re accustomed to doing. Loss of the privilege could also increase their anxiety level because of both real and imagined isolation, which should be avoided at all costs. You can help by encouraging family and friends to visit, scheduling a weekly card game in their house, and finding new ways to bring entertainment into the home.

Always look for creative solutions and involve your elder in the process. If the car is no longer needed, sell it, and put the money toward a transportation budget, such as an open tab with a taxi service. You should come up with transportation alternatives like carpooling and public transportation. You can also try to involve family and friends. Many towns even have elderly transportation options that can be investigated.

By Dr. Marion
Elder Care Made Easier Blog

[A version of this blog originally appeared on Dr. Marion’s Web site.]