Is Your Senior Loved One Safe on the Road?

Most of us can remember the day we passed our driving test and were handed the keys to a car.  Driving is a rite of passage that brings independence and freedom.  As our senior loved ones age, driving may become a very difficult subject to discuss.

The age of the driver is not as important as the mental and physical ability to react in driving situations.  A loved one should ride along with the senior on short trips to evaluate their reaction time to traffic lights, how they change lanes, the speed at which they drive, etc.  If you notice a change, ask your senior loved one how they are feeling about driving. 

It is often helpful to schedule a doctor’s appointment to rule out a medical concern for changes in driving habits.  A new eyeglass prescription or a hearing aid may provide a simple solution.  If the changes are due to aging and your senior loved one is a risk to themselves and others on the road, it may be time to schedule a family meeting.

Be prepared for your senior loved one to be angry or resentful when told that they can no longer drive.  This is a normal, expected reaction.  Be prepared with a plan for an alternative mode of transportation:  assign one family member as the transportation scheduler for all friends and family, senior transportation services or public transportation.  The transition may be challenging, but your senior loved one will adjust to not driving and everyone will be safer on the roads.

If your senior loved one can no longer drive but enjoys socializing during the day, an adult day care may be a great fit.  Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is the premier adult day care provider located in Fenton, MO.  Our mission at Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is to ensure our members enjoy Good Living Longer.    We are licensed by the State of Missouri and welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your loved one to answer any questions you have about adult day care.  Please feel free to visit our website at www.goodlivinglonger.com or call us at 636-343-1600. 

Article by Beverly McKee, MSW, LCSW