How To Tell Family Members
Their Loved One Needs to Stop Driving

One of the most difficult topics for your clients to address with his or her loved one is when to stop driving. If the older person is ill, frail or the family member would not want to get in the car with them behind the wheel, which is the signal it is time to take the car away.

To address this problem, have the physician speak with the family member as an authority figure, or to prescribe a driving evaluation to determine driving safety. If that is not possible, encourage the family to place an anonymous call to the Department of Motor Vehicles to report an unsafe driver. Be very sensitive, this is a loss of independence, and it will be hard to hear. However, for the safety of the older person and of other drivers, it is vital to address this issue.

Article by Lisa Meeks, MSRS, CMC. Lisa is a certified professional geriatric care manager with over twelve years working specifically with the specialized needs of the older adult. 

She can be reached by calling (770)579-9177 or E-mail: lisam@medmaze.com

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