There comes a time when some families have to deal with the fact that someone should no longer drive. Vision problems, memory problems, slowing reaction times, poor distance judgments and difficulty with directions are all indicators.
The time an older adult should no longer get behind the wheel of a car can be one of the most difficult challenges families face. The automobile is often seen as the last symbol of a person’s independence and removing that can be devastating. How can a family “take away the keys?” What can be done when people resist the need?
A workshop conversation from Pierce County Community Connections “Giving Up The Keys” will educate seniors on the timing and necessity of eventually giving up their own keys, and stopping driving all together.
The conversation is meant for families to make an educated decision together, said Bob Riler, community education and outreach specialist for community connections.
There comes a time when a person is simply unable to safely drive anymore between slowed reaction times or debilitating diseases, Riler said.
“It can be a very trying conversation, since it’s the last symbol of independence, and no one wants to give that up,” Riler said. “That being said, there are also situations where people are very reasonable in giving up the keys. But we’re a driving culture, so giving up the keys can be very, very difficult.”
There are a host of considerations when it comes to driving, including being able to recognize the colors of lights and reading the speed limit. When combined with other possible issues, like Alzheimer’s, the combination can be very dangerous, Riler said.
Common signs for it being the time to stop driving can include deteriorating eye sight, or other physical difficulties when at the wheel, Riler said.
Giving Up The Keys is one way to make the conversation happen, by simply getting people together who can provide a supportive environment to talk about a sensitive subject.
Third Parties like Community Connections can provide potential persuasion, but mostly information to help make a hard decision at least informed and thought out, Riler said.
Reluctant drivers are common to not want to give up the symbol of power, but they can only be talked to and reasoned with like everyone else, Riler said.
According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, after the age of 70 drivers are required to manually take tests to renew their licenses, as opposed to online or express methods, which is a potential way to deal with stubborn situations.
There are always other options for transportation, including personal carpools or other public services One just has to be aware of them, Riler said.
Nobody wants to hurt anyone else when driving, but the anxiety behind that decision is one of the reasons for the conversation at all, added Riler.
The conversation will explore issues commonly faced when Alzheimer’s and other dementias make driving dangerous – signs and symptoms of a problem, laws of the road, preparing for a conversation, the role of health care professionals and additional concerns.
“There is no more heart wrenching issue,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “Taking away the keys is a difficult decision and one that can tear families apart. So dealing with it with firmness and compassion is paramount.”
The conversation will be led by Lisa Troyer, a family caregiver case manager with Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. Lisa has frequently worked with numerous families dealing with this issue. Additional resources will be presented courtesy of community partners.
Giving Up The Keys will be held from 12:10 to 12:50 pm and from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on both July 16 and July 21 in Tacoma and Sumner. The conversation is free and open to the public. There is no RSVP required. For more information about the event itself, please call (253) 798-4600.
Further information can be found at http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/30574.
Seattle-area based native Reed Strong is a college senior at Western Washington University majoring in journalism, working with Northwest Prime Time to talk with local seniors and baby boomers to report on local issues to get those issues back to the community at large.
