In the USA we are highly dependent on the automobile for transportation
Many people see no way to live their lives without driving. Driver retirement is not seen as an option. Living in a location that’s walkable is a real benefit for those wishing to age in place. Studies show that most of us are going to outlive our ability to safely drive. If you chose to live in a quiet suburban area and are no longer driving then you are stuck in the suburbs. You need different ways to get to important places.
Driving levels the mobility playing field. This means that when you’re behind the wheel of a car nobody can tell if you are an amputee or have arthritis in your hips and knees with difficulty walking. Behind the wheel of a car you move with the flow of traffic just like everybody else. Not being a driver is a stigma that most wish to avoid.
Driver retirement is difficult for caregivers and families to address
It’s a sensitive, life changing subject. Driving is a family issue that deserves a careful, personalized assessment about risk and liability. How do you start a conversation like that?
TheHartford.com has a publication entitled We Need To Talk which addresses the issues surrounding driver safety. Access it for free by clicking here https://www.thehartford.com/resources/mature-market-excellence/family-conversations-with-older-drivers
Do you know that there are professionals and organizations passionate about all things related to driving? The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED ) has resources for drivers and their families.
When you search their database you will find a list of driver specialists listed by geographic area. A driver specialist can help you and your family understand the medical and cognitive issues that affect driving ability. They assess the driver according to ADED’s Best Practices and recommend adaptive equipment, training, lessons or driver retirement according to the need of the driver. It’s an objective and compassionate way to address the driving question.
Virtual Driver Safety Consultation
The Informed Caregiver has many years of performing medically based driver consultation. Driving is a family issue and deserves an open and honest discussion about risk and liability. Many drivers and their families are reluctant to address the driving issue especially if it involves the state Department of Motor Vehicles or licensing agency.
If you would like a virtual consultation with an experienced driver specialist to address your particular medical driving concerns please contact hello@theinformedcaregiver.com to set up a Virtual Driver Safety Consultation. Fill out the comment form below to start the process and get your questions answered.
If you live in the Massachusetts area check out http://www.drivingsolutionsforyou.com to learn more about at home Driver Consultation. Always schedule a free phone consultation before booking.
The Informed Caregiver offers Virtual Driver Safety Consultation. First we determine if you have a need we can address remotely. If so then you may schedule a virtual consultation to address the drivers’ ability. You will receive insight into issues about driver safety.
Many caregivers prefer to discuss their driving concerns privately. The Informed Caregiver offers a Virtual Driver Safety Consultation that occurs without the driver being present, for caregiver training and information. Fill out the comment form below to request additional information.