Changes in Modes of Mobility

At some point there may come a time when Mom and/or Dad will cease driving. This can be a major life style change and the how, why and when will be decided by factors determined by the family, care providers and the folks (directly or indirectly) themselves. It will be a combination of the aging limiting factors mentioned, a series of incidents, licensing agencies or other circumstances that bring about this change.

With a lifetime of convenience and access available by car the folks will face the consequences of significantly altering their social and personal lifestyles when driving is no longer available. Freedom and independence are core values of American life that are available through driving. To relinquish this privilege can mean a dramatic shift in lifestyle and personal identification.

There may come a time when you become worried about Dad's driving. Perhaps you have noticed something or someone has mentioned to you that they have seen or observed certain things. How does this subject get approached? On one hand there may be genuine reasons of concern for safety and well-being. On the other is the trepidation one might feel about severely restricting a parent's independence. You may realize this. If you become the "judge" of your parents' driving abilities it may come with the consequences of guilt, animosity, divisiveness and other forms of anguish.

As mentioned there are no "guidelines" or formulas that determine when a particular senior individual should cease driving unless of course there are obvious mitigating factors like severe physical or mental incapacitates.

Probably a good starting point is with open and frank discussion with Mom/Dad. There are several ways to approach this and it really comes down to the report you have with the folks and the level of their driving abilities. To instigate conversation there are things that can be brought up:

• The cost of driving, maintenance, insurance, gas prices, etc
• The hazards presented by other drivers

These driving related "problems" have likely confronted the folk's and given them cause to consider how they have to cope with these circumstances. Explore these issues in the context of how Mom/Dad at some point might curtail or eliminate driving altogether. Most people will want to avoid this decision for as long as possible. Information, education and planning can be instrumental here.

Conversations with the folks can lead to discussion about the alternatives to driving. What are the pros and cons? What are the options. As with other subjects discussed in this guide (housing, trusts) advance planning works in everyone's interest if the concerns are mutually shared and discussed. Your folks have planned for their retirement from work and this can be very similar. Retiring from driving as a planned approach may be comfortable for the folks. It addresses the issue openly and with education about the alternatives and the benefits derived can be less threatening that "taking away the keys" or losing independence and mobility.

Evaluation/Assessment
Cessation of the driving habit can be difficult to break. Done within the family evaluation of driving can be handled with a caring yet objective approach. But there may be other outside factors that may enter into this process. These factors may play a part in this evaluation process.

For example, most major insurance companies offer a "Senior Discount" to drivers who take a driving test. This economic incentive while small is intended to get drivers to take an objective look at their driving skills.

Most states require that all drivers, at some point and regardless of driving record, come in and take a written and driving exam including a vision test. Many state motor vehicle departments special evaluation programs offered to seniors. Most states also have some form of "conditional" driving license, such as driving only during daylight hours.

Doctors, due to professional liability, will often report circumstances or events that may impair a person's driving abilities.

The American Association of Retired Persons offers a very good older driver skill assessment guide, contact AARP and ask for booklet "Older Driver Skill Assessment and Resource Guide".

601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049
1 800 424-3410
www.aarp.org

1.Transportation Intro
2.Changes in Modes of Mobility
3.Mobility Options
4.Alternate Transportation