https://kells-care.com/aging-safe-to-drive/

Is your aging loved one still safe to drive?

Something to think about, is being mindful of whether your aging loved one is still safe to drive.

No legal age limit

There isn’t a set legal age at which a person’s driving license has to be forfeited.  But, as a person gets older, their eyesight and reaction time declines.  This means that they are more likely to be involved in an accident whilst behind the wheel.  And it is not just the safety of your aging loved one that you should worry about.  It is the risk that they may pose to other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians too.

Everyone ages at different rates.  And each individual has different levels of health and physical fitness.  However, at the age of 70, a person legally has to renew their license if they wish to continue driving.  They also legally have to renew their license every three years afterwards too.

Suggest a health check

If you are worried about your aging loved one’s driving, it can be a difficult subject to bring up. Many older people can feel that their independence and freedom are threatened if they are to stop driving.  One idea is to suggest your loved one sees their doctor for a health check just to make sure that they are still fit to drive.

Alternatives to driving

You can also emphasise the alternatives to driving.  This is to reassure your loved one that having their license revoked does not mean that they can no longer be free to go where they want.  Public transport options like bus and train could be a possibility.  Or using a taxi service.  Otherwise, our home care service could drive your loved one to wherever they needed to go.

At Kells Domiciliary, we have over 30 years experience of providing a high quality level of loving care, and we take pride in our high standards.  If you would like more information, please get in touch!