SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER TOPIC OF THE MONTH

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

Caregivers: Tips for Observing Driving Habits and Talking With Elderly Loved One

Is your loved one driving safely? Driving represents freedom and independence for the elderly without relying on anyone else. Giving up driving voluntarily, therefore, is often very difficult. An evaluation of driving skills by a caregiver is essential in determining if the loved one can drive safely.

Take a ride and observe driving habits and skills. Talk to the loved one about what has been observed, discuss options, and come to a decision.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Aging-Parents-and-Elder-Care-Organization have websites with tips on how to approach a loved one in a caring and sensitive manner. For information from the websites go to

1. Libertymutual.com/seniordriving

2. Aging-parents-and-edler-care.com/Pages/Checklists/Elderly_Drivers.html

Copies of the documents can be obtained from the reference desk.