In addition to being a convenience and time-saver, driving can also make social or critically needed medical appointments happen. It is definitely a show of independence as one ages. A feeling of loss of self-worth can often occur when “hanging up the keys.”
Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, explains: “Being 75 isn’t what it used to be because people are more active and live longer than previous generations.” He continues, “We want to get away from the idea of taking away mom and dad’s keys and focus on other alternatives to keep them mobile … if they could be driving safely.”
AARP spokeswoman, Kristin S. Palmer, agrees: “We believe that driving is about the ability and health of the driver, not their age.”
If, however, you have a family member who appears to be losing control of her/his driving skills, then what might be a satisfactory way of approaching a discussion on the subject?
Andrea Daniels, a reporter for the Baltimore Sun, instructs us to “underpin the conversation with love, and exhibit concern for their safety.”
1. When possible, confer with other family members for their opinion.
2. My first section on this topic (October 4 edition), mentions talking to your increasingly frail senior when the opportunity permits.
3. Sit next to your relative on repeated occasions as you assess their maneuvering of driving their car. ***Watch for AARP’s 17 signs of problem driving including distractibility (mentioned also in Part 1). Be alert as your loved one “hits the road.”
4. It’s time to ask your possibly impaired individual if they would like to take a self-quiz on a paper or a computer. This will let the older driver rate their own abilities at home with little or no pressure. The testing will help your driver soften their resistance to further testing also. Be sure to positively emphasize that this kind of exam is to help keep older drivers behind the wheel for as long as they can drive safely.
AAA publishes “Drivers 65 Plus: Check Your Performance,” a self-rating form. It can be found on seniordriving.aaa.com. Click on: Evaluate Your Driving Ability. The quiz produces a score that will help identify a driver’s strengths and weaknesses. An additional 12 pages of material offers suggestions for how to improve your driving, including driving classes that can be taken. Other programs exist on the computer under the same topic for your investigation.
5. If your beloved senior now realizes that they are a hazard to themselves, as well as to the other drivers on the highway (possibly even failing the state’s driving test), make sure you visit a health care authority with them for further physical/psychological testing.
6. Finally, do have other transportation plans ready to “buoy the spirits” of someone who is about to lose her/his own driving privileges.
In Kane and McHenry Counties, MCRide, sponsored through a partnership with Pace Suburban Bus, can be dialed at 1-800-451-4599. Here seniors can schedule a ride up to 7 days in advance of their trip. When calling, let them know your pick-up and drop-off location and desired drop-off time. Remember to schedule a round-trip visit. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seniors (60+) pay $1.25 for the first 5 miles and .25 for each mile after the first 5 miles. *All of these buses are wheelchair accessible. For more info, brochures may be obtained at Prairie Lodge’s class registration desk. For a Pace fixed bus schedule, call 1-847-364-7223, option 3. Senior Services providing transportation to those in Kane County may be reached at 1-800-942-1724. Senior Services providing transportation to those in McHenry County may be reached at 1-800-339-3200. In McHenry, the Senior Care Volunteer Network also provides transportation at 1-815-455-3120 on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. *For all transportation services, an assessment is needed. If qualified (usually with a medical appointment need), rides then can be scheduled with at least a 3-day notice.
Route 47 Taxi Transportation provides a $10 discount to Sun City residents going to O’Hare Airport. They can be reached at 1-224-858-4480. Participants in Family Alliance’s day program (1-224-654-6300) who live in McHenry and Kane Counties can be picked up and dropped off within certain time frames.
