What to Do When a Senior Has Trouble Driving

<p></p> <img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_222440820.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> <p></p> <p><em>Originally written by Jackie Tucker of Care From The Heart - In Home Services, Inc. </em></p> <p><strong>Take a refresher course. </strong>If you’re worried about a loved one’s ability to drive, the first step might be to go back to the classroom. Many local agencies, such as the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department, run special driving programs for seniors. There, among their peers, older drivers can brush up on auto safety and defensive driving skills.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Drive in pairs.</strong> You or a caregiver can take your own car and follow your loved one as they head out to appointments or run errands. This will give you an opportunity to observe your loved one’s ability to navigate the road. Also, you’ll be close on hand if anything goes wrong.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Get a doctor’s note. </strong>Your loved one’s physician can help determine if it’s still safe for them to drive. If the doctor concludes it’s not safe, have them write a note summarizing their findings. Share this note with your loved one to help explain the situation. The physician is then responsible for communicating their evaluation to the DMV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Shut it down. </strong>Some individuals will continue to drive even if it has been clearly explained that doing so would be dangerous. In these cases, families are obliged to take stronger measures, such as removing the car battery, to help keep their loved ones (and other drivers) safe.</p> <p><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a></p> <p><strong>Related Articles</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Nursing-Homes/" target="_self">Your Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Homes</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;</p>