1. Making Informed Decisions that
Drive Independence and Safety
A recent article published in Gerontology notes that:
• The greatest impact of “giving up the keys” for older adults is the inability to pursue key
roles such as volunteerism and work.
• Lack of mobility can also cause isolation for older adults due to the inability to spend
time with family and friends.
• Lost in most discussions related to aging and driving is the fact that many older adults
are excellent drivers.
Many older adults are safe
& excellent drivers, however
aging can cause changes in:
Learn how aging
can affect driving
HEARING
ATTENTION
AND REACTION
TIME
COORDINATION
JUDGEMENT
MEMORY
PHYSICAL
STRENGTH
EMOTIONS
(ANXIETY)
VISION
REFLEXES
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1bWGxse
If you or a family member are
concerned about safe driving,
consider a driving assessment.
Visit: http://1.usa.gov/1dqabTI
Learn about
driving
assessments
Improve your skills:
AARP Driver Safety
Online Course:
• Online or In-Person
Courses
http://bit.ly/1coJuN0
• Driving Simulators
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1e5L3q4
Make informed driving decisions
with your Care Team
• Primary Care Provider
• Occupational Therapist
• Social Worker
• Driving Testing Center
• Counselor/Psychologist
• Area Agency on Aging
• Family/Friends
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1gpBqTm
Consider adaptive equipment for your car
• Low-e ffort steering
• Ribbo n attached to seatbelt
• Hand controlled breaks
• Navigation system
• Swing-out seat
• Swivel Seat Cushion
s
• Ba c
k• Ext e up camera
ns i o ns
w h e e l)
(Key, f
rror, steering
oot p edal, mi
car-fit.org
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1d8e3s4
Consider other forms
of transportation:
ADVOCATE ST.
• Public transportation • Grocery stores that deliver
• Family or friends
• Community shuttle buses
• Walking
• Trips with places of worship
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1coMx82
For Family Caregivers and Friends:
Talking with your loved one
about driving can be difficult.
Use the tool below to:
• Prepare for your discussion
• Respond to your loved one’s needs
• Get support for yourself
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1aVuCoo
For Healthcare Providers:
Use the tool below to get more immersed
in best practice guidelines for:
• Assessing older adult driving skills
• Educating older adults and their families
about adaptive approaches
• Informing older adults and families about
alternate transportation options
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1f7xQcH
© 2013 Griswold International, LLC
Source: http://gerontologist.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/05/06/geront.gnt037.abstract
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www.griswoldhomecare.com
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CaringTimes
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