Are your parents too old to drive? Is it unsafe for them to drive? Are you worried about the amount of accidents they are having? Are you worried that they might severely injure themselves or others?
This New York Times article reports that many baby boomers, and even their parents, are still driving. The ability to continue driving later in life can foster a sense of independence that can reduce feelings of isolation and depression. What would life be like without being able to independently arrive to your favorite restaurant or book club? This is what much of the aging population fears when losing their freedom and ability to drive.
There are new vehicle technologies that can help those with age related disabilities. Power seats can provide comfort in the vehicle and ease for those with mobility limitations. Large number/letter displays and high contrast instrument panels can aid those with visual impairments. Backup cameras offer those with limited upper body mobility to be more safe when backing up. A consultation with an occupational therapy driving rehabilitation specialist can help you determine what modifications to your vehicle would best suit your needs and help you be a safer driver.
Even with all these modifications, there are a lot of health related conditions in which it is unsafe to continue driving. We encourage our clients to check with their doctor and also do the testing at the Motor Vehicle Department if there are concerns expressed by family members, neighbors or other concerned parties that they or their parents are too old to drive and unsafe as a result.
There are ways to have a driver’s license revoked if you are aware of an unsafe driver. In Arizona, ADOT has forms for both concerned citizens as well as physicians to submit to the Motor Vehicle Department. Judges also have the ability to revoke driver’s licenses in cases of Guardianship and Conservatorship.
Once a driver’s license is revoked, you may need the help of an Aging Life Care Specialist (formerly known as a Geriatric Care Manager) to assist in the logistics of compliance so that you can be the loved one and not the bad guy. Call us for help … 928-639-1583 or 928-445-6000.