Being able to drive is of huge importance to many elderly people. Being able to drive safely, however, is obviously even more important.
For the protection of both themselves and others it’s vital to address the difficult question of
whether an elderly parent is safe to drive, but once you’ve established there’s reasonable cause for concern what should you do next?
Help for Elderly Drivers
If your parents don’t seem as safe behind the wheel as they used to be, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With the right assistance it may be possible for them to stay driving safely for many more years, which is all the more reason to take action at the earliest opportunity.
A network of charitable organisations exists called the
Forum of Mobility Centres. These are driving professionals who specialise in assessing people’s ability to drive as well as helping them stay on the road for as long as possible. You can use their website to find the nearest centre in your area, but in Hampshire, for instance, you will find help at
Wessex Driveability.
Driveability centres are the only driving assessment centres accredited by the DVLA and are used by them for official testing to see if people are fit to retain their driving licence. However, they are also there to help and explain the options for drivers who have been experiencing problems.
Driving Assessment for the Elderly
You can find peace of mind by having your parent’s driving assessed by a professional. What’s more, if a GP refers someone for driving assessment then it becomes an official matter and consequently you will not be charged – the fees will be met by government. The GP should refer a driver in need of assessment to the DVLA, who will then arrange a test free of charge. Not all GPs are aware of this, so be sure to mention it!
Assessment takes place at your local centre and is designed to be friendly and supportive. The person being tested is greeted warmly, offered refreshments and generally helped to feel at ease and not like they’re suddenly back at school again for an exam!
The assessment team will usually comprise an occupational therapist and a driving advisor. The starting point is a detailed discussion with the person being tested to develop a sound understanding of their driving needs. Then testing takes place in a dual-control car to establish how that person deals with driving conditions.
At the end of the assessment the team will discuss the outcome. If the determination is that the person is not fit to drive then the DVLA has to be notified and their driving licence revoked. It is important to remember that this is in everyone’s interests and for that person to continue to drive would put them and others at serious risk.
However, in many cases this is not the outcome. Frequently elderly people can stay on the roads with some help, which Driveability can advise you on.
Options for Elderly Drivers
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Adapt Driving Habits. Sometimes the elderly are deemed fit to drive but may no longer feel entirely comfortable in certain driving situations. Avoiding such situations as night driving or busy city centres may be a way of retaining confidence.
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Adapt the Car. Many physical limitations can be tackled by alterations to the car. Steering wheel knobs can make turning the wheel easier; support cushions can improve a person’s driving position; adapted mirrors can aid visibility and rotating seats can make it easier to get in and out of the car. There are many options and Driveability will give you the details of the nearest centre which can adapt your car.
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Take Driving Lessons. These aren’t just useful at the start of your driving life – they can be invaluable in its autumn years too! Many driving schools offer courses suitable for elderly drivers designed to improve their driving skills and confidence. They can help eliminate bad habits which have grown over the years and ensure good driving practice keeps your parent safe on the road. There are also options such as Hampshire County Council’s Older Drivers Skills Scheme.
The End is Still not the End...
Even if your elderly parent has to hand in their driving licence, it doesn’t have to be a huge blow to their independence. There are many options for the elderly without cars and Driveability will take time to advise you about this.
Many voluntary schemes exist to take the elderly to hospital appointments and even shopping! Plus numerous areas have retirement clubs or other organisations which lay on minibuses to transport people who need it.
It’s also important for the whole family to help out with transport. In spite of the fact that there are plenty of alternatives to driving, it is still upsetting for someone to lose their car. This has been a part of their life for decades and will have been taken for granted. After relinquishing their car, your parent will need plenty of support. If everyone does their bit then there’s no reason why your parent’s life and independence should be seriously affected.
Trusted Partners in the Community
At Nobilis we believe a dedicated in-home care provider should take a holistic approach. We look at the whole picture and clearly the elderly need a wide range of services to keep them healthy, happy and safe. That’s why we search out the very best providers of key services in your area and form relationships of trust with them.
There’s no commission, no hidden arrangements – just our honest advice about people we know provide a great service which we would use ourselves.
It’s not always easy to know where to turn in certain situations. That’s why we created the Information Centre to provide you with straightforward guidance, and it’s why we’re also happy to tell you about Wessex Driveability.
If you’d like advice about this or any other area of care for the elderly, you are very welcome to call us on 0845 680 0225.