For many seniors, driving is a form of independence.

When the privilege is taken away, that freedom to drive wherever and whenever desired may become a major roadblock in a caregiving relationship.

“Depending on a parent’s medical condition, driving can become a hazard to them or others on the road. And that’s not always an easy pill to swallow,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan. “Seniors blame caregivers because they are responsible for enforcing the rules that may just be doctor’s orders. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia are particularly difficult for seniors to cope with because the loss of memory and cognitive skills have such a big impact on driving and safety. They may not remember or understand why they can’t drive, and that can be hard for caregivers to explain — especially repeatedly and to a parent.”

The road safety experts at AAA help with this sensitive topic on the seniordrivers.org is website for senior drivers and their families. The downloadable “How to Help an Older Driver” brochure assists caregivers in helping senior drivers maintain their independence and mobility without sacrificing safety.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, older drivers become more crash-prone with age, and the crash rate per mile driven rises steadily for drivers 65 and older. Because older drivers are more fragile, their fatality rates are 17 times higher that those of 25- to 64-year-olds.

“Although driving might seem easy and natural, it’s actually a complex, fast-paced activity. It involves sensing information about traffic, road conditions, signals, markings, and the car’s behavior, deciding what to do based on that information, and then acting, all in rapid-fire succession,” the brochure says. “A typical driver makes 20 decisions per mile, with less than half a second to act to avoid a collision. Age affects all three steps in the process: sensing, deciding, and acting.”

The brochure also includes an assessment tool to help caregivers and families review senior loved ones’ skills and abilities to remain safely on the road. This can ease in the transition of deciding whether a senior may need to retire from driving.

If it’s safe, helping seniors stay on the road can have a positive impact on their health and mental well-being, according to a recent AAA Foundation study. Results showed an increased risk of depression and entry into long-term care facilities among former older drivers who permanently gave up driving. The foundation estimates the number of drivers aged 65 and older continues to increase in the U.S., with nearly 81 percent of the 39.5 million seniors in this age group still behind the wheel.

“This comprehensive review of research confirmed the consequences of driving cessation in older adults,” Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “The decision to stop driving, whether voluntary or involuntary, appears to contribute to a variety of health problems for seniors, particularly depression as social circles are greatly reduced.”

Kissinger said maintaining independence by continuing to drive safely is important to overall health and well-being.

“When the decision is made to relinquish the keys, it is vital to mitigate the potential negative effects through participation in programs that allow seniors to remain mobile and socially connected,” he said.

For more information on all the free resources AAA offers to older drivers, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.