For many older adults, the topic of driving is met with unease and anxiety. Driving is seen as a critical part of our identity and freedom. But what if we have concerns about our driving or our loved ones’ driving skills as we age? When is the time to plan for retiring from driving?
How do we plan to retire from driving?
Think of retiring from driving like retiring from a job. From the very beginning of your job you think about what retirement looks like. You start to plan and put money aside and consider how your day-to-day life will continue when you are no longer working. For many older adults the idea of retiring from driving is one that is met with hesitation. Many adults experience the loss of independence when it comes to no longer driving due to the reliance on family members or caregivers having to transport them throughout the community. However, if we plan ahead and have resources in place it removes some of the anxiety and hesitation of this change.
It is important to begin planning to retire from driving to keep individuals safe.
An Individual’s Role. Part of being a responsible driver is to assess your abilities and skills as we age. It is important that you take time to ensure your vehicle is well maintained, your insurance is active and that you are safe and capable behind the wheel. You can take control and screen yourself for driving concerns. One resource is AAA’s driving self-rating tool. https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/senior-driver-safety-mobility/evaluate-your-driving-ability/
How can we support a driver as they transition to a passenger?
A Family’s Role. Families can support a loved one with discussions about retiring from driving. This conversation can be difficult, and it is best if the conversation begins early. If the conversation with a loved one is difficult, encourage them to meet with a doctor or occupational therapist for a driving evaluation to identify skills that may be affecting their ability to drive. This provides an objective view of the situation and helps support the transition. Many older adults will begin to realize their safety is at risk as they age and may even report minor accidents. There are many resources that support individuals when speaking with their family members about driving. One resource is The Hartford’s website which focuses on safe driving for a lifetime. It is recommended to use resources when planning to have a family planning conversation. https://www.thehartford.com/resources/mature-market-excellence/family-conversations-with-older-drivers.
A Professional’s Role. Occupational Therapists (OTs) can support individuals retiring from driving by educating individuals and their families on the safety and risks. An OT driving generalist is an OT who has had some additional training on screening clients for driving readiness. Driving readiness is whether an individual is ready to perform a full driver evaluation. These OT’s can work on physical, cognitive or balance related skills skills that can affect driving. An OT generalist can provide information on alternative transportation options and assist individuals with routine schedules. These skills help an individual navigate the community without having to drive. Alternative transportation may require training in the process of finding and funding transportation. They can also complete screenings and refer an individual to a driving specialist.
Driving Rehab Specialist. Some Occupational Therapists hold a specialized certification as a Driving Rehab Specialist or Driving Rehab Professional. These are OT’s who, with advanced training, are able to provide both clinical driving screens and behind the wheel evaluations of an individual’s safety and abilities to complete driving tasks. These are performed using specialized clinical assessment tools and a specially equipped vehicle. Once complete, these evaluations form a recommendation from the driving rehab professional to the client and physician on fitness to drive.
Supporting a driver as they transition to the passenger seat can be difficult, however there are many resources listed below to help address these issues with older adults. Becoming a passenger around the community can be difficult to grasp. However the individual’s support system can be there to identify alternative transportation and maintain independence. Many older adults also enjoy the freedom of not having a car to take care of and the costs associated with car insurance, gas and vehicle maintenance.
At Adaptable Driving, we are committed to empowering individuals to understand their abilities and prepare for changes over time. If you or a loved one is seeking a driving rehab specialist, visit the Association of Driving Rehab Specialists to find a qualified professional in your area (www.aded.net). For those in Georgia or Hawaii, our team is here to support you with resources tailored to your needs. Connect with us at our Adaptable Driving website or follow us on social media for updates, tips, and more: Facebook | Instagram
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