When is it time for a senior to give up the keys to the car?  Very often, driving remains an act of independence that many seniors are reluctant to part with.  At times, and as difficult as it may be, it is incumbent for adult children to step in.

The signs that your elderly loved one needs to give up driving:

1. Sudden lane changes, braking, or acceleration for no particular reason — a sign that their reflexes are slowing
2. Lots of near-collisions or small, minor accidents, such as scraping their car against another car or a garage.
3. Failing to use the turn signal
4. Driving on the wrong side of the road or in the shoulder
5. An inability to read road signs or written directions
6. Missing turns or backing up to make the correct turn
7. Inability to judge a specific distance
8. Misidentifying the gas pedal for the brake and vice versa
9. Lots of fidgeting while driving
10. Lack of patience while driving and arguing with other drivers
11. Making wrong turns and not being able to remember how to get to often-traveled places
12. Confusion at traffic lights (e.g. mistaking red for green and vice versa)
13. Repeatedly being pulled over by police officers

If you notice any of these problems on a regular basis, it is time to step in.  It is not something that should be put off.

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable care and assistance for NJ seniors, helping them manage their daily living activities since 1984. We’ve helped many families overcome the problem of unsafe senior driving. Please call us when you need help at 800-848-2336.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care