When It's Time for Older Adults to Give up the Car Keys

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When It's Time for Older Adults to Give up the Car Keys

(Source: NJJN) - Seniors, health care providers, and family members

should be aware of conditions that can impact older adults' abilities

to drive safely.

Ninety percent of one's ability to drive safely depends on their

ability to see. As we get older numerous conditions can hinder this

skill, including macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. In

addition, arthritis, decreased reflexes, reduced flexibility,

increased reaction time, and even certain medications can also affect

an older person's ability to drive safely. And there is also the

possibility of age-related cognitive impairment.

The American Academy of Neurology recommends that adults diagnosed

with mild dementia or Alzheimer's disease not drive and that older

adults with mild cognitive impairment be evaluated every six months.

Signs that indicate an older adult's driving ability may be affected

by age-related changes include:

* Difficulty turning, especially when backing up and making left

turns

* Difficulty maintaining concentration

* Slower responses to unexpected situations

* Incorrect signaling

* Inability to park appropriately

* Misjudging distance: hitting curbs, mailbox, or garage

* Increased agitation or irritation when driving

* Failure to notice traffic signs or hazards

* Near misses or actual accidents, including seemingly minor " fender

benders "

* Driving at unsafe speeds (too fast or too slow) or " riding the

brake "

* Moving into wrong lane, difficulty maintaining lane position

* Confusion at exits

* Getting lost in familiar places

* Ticketed moving violations/warnings

* Failure to stop at stop signs or red lights

* Mistaking the gas and brake pedals

* Stopping in traffic for no reason

If any of these warning signs sound familiar, it is important to

discuss your concern with both your loved one and their caregiver.

Harriet Vines offers these suggestions:

* Be empathetic. Imagine how you would feel if you were in your

parent's place.

* Build a case. Keep a record of traffic tickets, fender-benders, or

other incidents.

* Arrange an open meeting with concerned family members to help, not

confront, the driver.

* Keep communications honest, open, and non-accusatory.

* Plan a gradual curtailment of driving - for example, no children in

the car, no highways, no driving above 45 miles per hour.

* Agree on circumstances that will signal when it is time to totally

give up the car keys.

* Many older adults fear that if they surrender their driver's

license, they will be stranded without any means of transportation.

But if it's time for your parent or loved one to stop driving,

research other transportation options before speaking with them about

curtailing their driving.

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http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/071708/ltSaferTransportation.html