Getting older doesn’t mean that a person’s driving days are at an end. For many, the ability to drive is a sign of independence, one they won’t want to part with easily. We have to remember, though: driving is a privilege, not a right. It’s important to plan ahead and discuss transportation options for seniors with your family and older loved ones to ensure both their safety and that of others.
Assessing If Driving Is Still Safe for Older Drivers
Deciding about the future of someone’s driving should never be based on age alone. As we age, however, people often experience changes that can put them and others at risk on the road, such as a decline in vision, physical fitness, and reflex time.
Depending on the situation, older adults can ensure safety by altering their driving habits to align with age-related challenges or decide if it’s in their best interest to seek alternate transportation services. Use the following questions as a guide to determine the safest mode of transportation for your older loved one.
How is your eyesight?
Has reading signs, following street markings, handling headlight glare, or recognizing locations become difficult? Remember, individuals 60 years and older should be going to visit the eye doctor every year. While an updated prescription can help, poor vision might mean it’s time to consider a new method of transportation.
How is your hearing?
Hearing loss is common, as one-third of people over 65 are hearing-challenged. The sound of sirens, screeching tires, and car horns should put drivers on high alert, but if the driver can’t hear them, they might not know about upcoming dangers.
Are you confident in your control of the vehicle?
If your loved one is having difficulty looking over their shoulder to change lanes, turning the steering wheel, moving to press the gas and brake pedals, or getting in and out of their vehicle, then mobility is becoming more challenging for them. To improve their safety, consider making upgrades to the vehicle or find another mode of transportation.
Does driving make you feel overwhelmed or nervous?
Ask your loved one if following traffic signs or the commotion of people and cars in traffic is becoming difficult. It’s also important to understand if any medications they are taking affect their alertness. Lack of awareness or difficulty concentrating can mean it’s best to seek new methods of transportation for your loved one’s safety.
Have friends or family members expressed concern about your driving?
Family members and close friends are usually the first to notice changes in your loved one’s behavior. While it can be an uncomfortable topic to bring up, if you see worrying changes in your loved one’s driving, you need to gently address it with them for their safety.
If your loved one answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s time to start planning how your older family members can stay mobile without having to drive.
Finding Transportation Services to Keep Seniors Independent
As we age, life keeps on going! Everyone has their own schedule and events to go to for their health and enjoyment—sports games, weddings, potlucks, game nights, doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, the list goes on!
Talking to your older loved one about no longer driving due to age-related health concerns is challenging. No one wants to limit another person’s independence, but having control of a vehicle isn’t always the safest option for everyone. There are a lot of transportation services around the Mamaroneck area that can help your loved one get where they need to go, maintaining their safety and dignity.
Letting your loved one know there are other modes of transportation can help make it easier to hang up the car keys.
Rideshare Options for Seniors
Rideshare services are easy to use and accessible. Services like Uber Health are great for providing seamless transportation to seniors. Care coordinators, like those at Westchester Family Care, can book a ride on-demand or in advance for an upcoming appointment. The driver will contact the passenger directly to confirm the details and again when they are on their way.
Paratransit Options for Seniors
Paratransit services can help people with disabilities or mobility challenges travel to non-emergency medical appointments. Whether your loved one requires the use of a wheelchair or needs a little extra assistance entering and exiting vehicles, services like Assisted Transportation can lend a helping hand.
Transportation from Caregivers
Home care providers, like Westchester Family Care, often offer transportation services for their clients. Caregivers provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, the local pharmacy, shopping trips, hairdressers, and more. Depending on your loved one’s requirements, the caregiver can use their personal car or the client’s vehicle. Get reliable, compassionate transportation from a professional caregiver you can trust.
For more information about transportation services in Westchester County, NY, or from Westchester Family Care, give us a call anytime at (914)764-7500.