In 2018 there were 45 million licensed drivers in the U.S. 65 and over – a 50% increase over 1999. That year 7,700 seniors were killed and nearly 300,000 went to emergency rooms! According to research, adult children would rather talk to their parents about sex or funeral arrangements than driving. But there is a way that may be easier.
Families with older drivers should keep an eye out for signs that could indicate its time to address it. Signs are scrapes on the side(s) of the car, broken exterior lights, someone calling and saying the senior was driving in the wrong lane, etc.
Recently a friend of mine from Washington state told me how her mother willingly stopped driving and this may work for you. I researched her method and found it to be valid for families in all states. She was with her mother during an appointment with her eye specialist. The doctor told her that she should no longer be driving. Even after receiving this news, she downplayed the severity and said “well, I only drive to my daughter’s place anyway and it’s a short drive.” Worried about her mother, she called her car insurance provider on behalf of her mom and was told that an insurance company can refuse to cover any accident and demand medical records once a medical professional makes their diagnosis. Once her mother learned she would no longer be covered, she hung up her keys and quit driving for good.
In our research with insurance companies, we learned that this is commonplace. Senior drivers who had who had been told to get off the road by a medical professional and had serious accidents were forced to pay the bill themselves, sometimes losing their savings and in one extreme case, their home! Don’t let this happen to your loved-one.
Raise the subject with your loved-one and ask them if you can go to the next doctor’s appointment to discuss. Also, have a list of alternative transportation options that are available in your area. Some include Uber and Lyft but also “freebie,” no-cost trolleys, local senior transportation. You can also coordinate rides with other families to their activities who are going to the same events such as religious services/events, community events, book clubs, bingo, bridge, poker, etc. You can arrange deliveries for groceries and just about everything else.
Keep your loved-ones safe. Use this information and road map for helping them have a long and secure life. And if you need help starting the conversation, call us – we are here for you.
Whatever it takes, The Seniors’ Answer® is here to make your life as carefree as possible.
Our mission is to make your life simple, secure, reduce stress and get things done. We specialize in helping all aspects of the day-to-day of busy professionals, families and seniors. We have a team devised to tackle and manage concerns that many may have. If you have questions or need information about you or your loved one’s life management issues, please reach out to us. We are here to make your life simple, secure and stress-free. We are available 24/7. Call us at 305-646-1833 or email us at Corrine@mypersonalaffairsmanagement.com.
