Q. What tips can you recommend that can help me deal with my mom’s bad driving? At age 83, her driving abilities have declined, but I know she’s determined to keep driving.
Nervous Nelly
Dear Nelly,
Giving up driving can be a tough step for many elderly seniors, as well as a difficult conversation for concerned family members. While there’s no one way to handle this touchy topic, there are some tips and resources to help you evaluate and adjust your mom’s driving, and ease her out from behind the wheel when she can no longer drive safely.
Assess her driving: First, take a ride with her and watch for problem areas. Does she drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate or drift between lanes? Does she have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Does she react slowly, get confused easily or make poor decisions? Also, has your mom had any fender benders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on her vehicle? These, too, are red flags.
If you need help, consider hiring a driver rehabilitation specialist who’s trained to evaluate older drivers. This typically runs between $100 and $200. Visit AOTA.org/older-driver or ADED.net to locate a specialist.
Transitioning and talking: After your assessment, if you think it’s still safe for your mom to drive, see if she would be willing to take an older driver refresher course.
These courses will show her how aging affects driving skills, and offer advice to help ensure her safety. Taking a class may also earn your mom a discount on her auto insurance. To locate a class contact your local AAA or AARP (888-227-7669). Most courses cost around $20 to $30 and can be taken online or in a classroom.
If, however, your assessment shows that your mom needs to stop driving, you need to have a talk with her, but don’t overdo it. If you begin with a dramatic outburst like ‘mom, you’re going to kill someone!’ you’re likely to trigger resistance. Start by simply expressing concern for her safety.
For more tips on how to talk to your mom about this, the Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers a variety of resources at TheHartford.com/lifetime. Click the menu tab for ‘Publications,’ and then on the ‘We Need To Talk’ guidebook.
Refuses to quit: If your mom refuses to quit, you have several options. One possible solution is to suggest a visit to her doctor who can give her a medical evaluation, and if warranted, “prescribe” that she stops driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.
If she still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help.
Or, call in an attorney to discuss with your mom the potential consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away her keys.
Alternative transportation: Once your mom stops driving, she’s going to need other ways to get around, so help her create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that she can call on.
To learn what transportation services are available in her area, contact the Rides in Sight (855-607-4337) and the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116), which will direct you to assistance in her area.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
