Archive for July 26th, 2010

Posted on July 26, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

WHEN THE ELDERLY PARENT SHOULD NO LONGER DRIVE – TAKING AWAY THE CAR KEYS

(Part III)

No matter how difficult the conversation, when it is the family who observes the changes in the elder’s ability to drive, it becomes the family’s responsibility to face the situation. Waiting for the State to pass a law mandating regular testing of elders is not an option. Not when the family knows the elder should no longer be granted the privilege of driving a car. A very effective way is to gather people who are significant and considered credible by the elder. This could be family members, friends, clergy, physicians, any one who has a close relationship to the elder and is valued by the.

Holding a family intervention.

1. Set the rules for the intervention – if someone in the group doesn’t know when to let someone else talk – set time limits
2. Give facts about the elder’s driving – Identify driving behaviors that members of the family have witnessed:

• Crossing over the lane lines
• Going off the road
• Getting lost going to a familiar place
• Other drivers honking at the elder
• Asking passengers to read signs
• Not yielding to other cars
• All driving behaviors that are contrary to “Rules of the Road” conduct.

(See part II of this series for bad driving behaviors)

1. Don’t become distracted with other issues – stick to the subject of driving
2. Give driving facts:

• In accidents that involve an elderly driver – the elder is most likely to be injured
• Describe how the elder’s life would change following an injury; pain, disability and increased dependence
• How upset the elder would be if their actions driving would cause injury to someone else, especially a child

1. Offer solutions:

• Identify who will now take the elder to; doctor, dentist, pharmacy, barber/beauty parlor, dry cleaner, Church, clubs, hardware store, grocery, visit friends, etc.
• Avoid saying things like “Someone from the Church will be glad to come and get you,” or “I’m sure we will all help out driving you.” These statements are way to general – this situation calls for specifics, so the elder does not worry.
• If appropriate – suggest the elder take a driver’s course developed just for seniors.
• If appropriate – suggest an eye exam and have the elder’s physician check reflexes.
• If the problem might be the car – suggest someone take a good look at the car – is it easy to drive, are the controls easy to use, does the elder have a good field of vision when sitting in the car.

1. Re-state what everyone learned in this intervention and most important what everyone promised to do including the elder.

If the elder will not cooperate with a family intervention or discussion of the driving issue – a last resort can always be to disable the car – especially in the case of a very confused elder who is dangerous on the road.

Virginia Garberding R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me-Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegettoknowme.com