The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Should Mom or Dad Still Be Driving?

This is one of the tougher questions family members may face as their loved one ages.  It’s an especially difficult topic because no one likes to admit that they are no longer able to do something that they were once proficient at, and this particular ability represents freedom and independence—privileges that most of us are loathe to part with.

Often, the decline of driving skills as we age goes undetected by family members until the changes are quite significant.  And the driver may not be aware of these changes, nor may s/he want to admit to them.  If you have doubts, talk to your loved one’s family doctor.  You or the doctor may need to make a referral to the Motor Vehicles department in your state, for a re-assessment of driving skills.  Here in New Jersey, the process is as described on this page.

The results of a review are not necessarily all-or-nothing.  Perhaps avoiding night driving is all that’s necessary, or restricting travel to roads with speed limits under 50 MPH.  The important thing is to address any concerns before something catastrophic happens to your family member or anyone else who shares the road with them.  A geriatric care manager can be instrumental in assessing the elderly client’s physical, mental and emotional health and coordinating the appropriate resources to best assist the client to remain as independent as possible.

Here’s another helpful website for more information.

Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management serves Bergen, Passaic, Rockland and Orange County with nurses licensed in New Jersey and New York.   We help families dealing with various issues related to their elderly loved ones and would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have related to long term care.  Please contact us in our Ridgewood Office at 201-587-5283 to schedule a consultation.