Summers often mean “Road Trip”, but getting seniors to give up the keys to their car is no small task and, frankly, I am quite sympathetic to the seniors. After a lifetime of independence, it is yet another degradation they must endure as they age and their faculties wane. Only with this one, it can feel like a prison sentence, being confined to four walls. However, elderly driving can be problematic.
While there are many seniors on the road that should not be, [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) driving statistics for those post 75 years old attest to this], sometimes children of senior citizens are overly cautious in their ‘drive’ to strip parents of their car keys. There are professionals out there who can help assess whether or not it is time for that step.
Driving Rehabilitation Specialists
There are specialists to consult regarding elderly driving. These are a subspecialty of Occupational Therapists (OT-DRS). However, they could have a background in physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, driver education or psychology as well. Their clinical assessments include a review of personal medical history and cognitive ability. They also do a functional/on-road assessment that keeps an eye on visual, cognitive, physical and behavioral impairments while driving. They combine these to make recommendations for intervention in terms of vehicle modifications or specialized training. These assessments range from $200-$400 depending on your area and could include $100 per hour for any necessary subsequent service. The American Occupational Therapy Society can help you locate someone in your zip code.
Driving Skills Evaluators (DSE)
These professionals are also trained, licensed and certified by the state. They perform evaluations based on an in-car evaluation of driving skills. Also, they may recommend further testing with an OT-DRS or additional DSE training. Evaluations for elderly driving run $100-$200 with additional hourly charges ranging from $75-$150. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists should help you understand the different levels of certification as well as how to find one in your area.
Family Members Must Be Watchful
Family members must watch for indications of problems that might lead to possible harm to the older adult or others. It is a good time to visit the idea of an evaluation if: the senior has trouble seeing street signs at night; their reflexes have slowed; has been an increase in near-miss accidents or fender benders; a history of falling, or has been diagnosed with a medical condition that could impact their driving due to diminishing vision, seizures, dementia, stroke or sleep disorders. An informal self-assessment can be found through AAA Roadwise Review or the Fitness-To-Drive Screening Measure Online through the AARP.
The Awkward Conversation
It is understandable that as children see more physical signs for concern. However, they may feel awkward about broaching the subject with their aging parents. There are many, many resources out there for information about how to enter this new phase of life. You can readily find them with a simple google search. Seniors and their families should be aware that there are many options to take before giving up the keys and solutions to lessen the negative effects of a total relinquishing.
Alternatives to Elderly Driving
When seniors don’t drive, most of the burden falls to the caregiver. However, many don’t have a ‘resident driver’ or can’t rely on their caregivers 100% of the time. For them, there are alternatives.
The following are different categories of services available.
- Curb to curb or taxi services that pick you up and drop you off curbside and don’t help at all with mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs.
- Door to door car services that pick you up and drop you off, but don’t get out of the car to assist you with entering and exiting the car. Again, they may not want to help you with any walking aids or wheelchairs.
- Door through door services that provide a full service of helping you in and out of the car or van and help you with whatever you need including groceries and packages.
As more and more Baby Boomers relinquish their licenses, they will need more services to fill this needs gap. Certain companies like the for-profit SilverRide and the not-for-profit Independent Transportation Network of America (ITN America) are available only in specific states.
Seniors in New York rely on a mix of private car services, government subsidized programs and community and religious organizations to supplement transportation needs. The New York City Department for the Aging can provide transportation services through listed senior centers. You can also obtain information regarding Access-A-Ride, a subsidized door-to-door transportation service available 24/7 to those eligible, through them. Manhattan residents can take advantage of the Community Arranged Resident Transportation (CART) Project funded by that department which provides free transportation service to the frail elderly five days a week.
Safety is Priority 1
It’s all about keeping everyone safe. According to the AAA, the highest fatal car accidents occur in two distinct age groups – teenagers and those 75 and older. The difference is that seniors are far less likely to survive these car crashes. Furthermore, they can tragically inflict harm on others. They are more fragile and don’t bounce back from injuries well at all.
On the other hand, until the age of 65, the accident rates of older adults mirror those of the middle aged. In order to ensure that seniors continue driving safely for as long as possible, we need to educate them about the warning signs. Most important, we need to plan for the various options for maintaining their independence. Let me know if I can help!
Anita Kamiel, R.N., M.P.S., is the founder and owner of David York Home Healthcare Agency. As such, she is fully acquainted with all factors related to eldercare services and the latest guidelines for seniors. Thirty years ago, she realized the need for affordable, quality home health aide services provided and supervised by caring individuals. You can contact her at 718-376-7755 or at our website. David York Agency is also on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
