I remember the day my father decided it was time to ask his father for the car keys. Bompa had a few “close calls” with the car and Dad was worried. I remember Bompa being OK with the decision – no harsh words, no yelling. I guess he agreed it was time. I often wonder how I will respond if my children approach me with a similar request. If physical changes or illness begin to compromise my driving, will I recognize it?
Giving up the car keys is a life altering event. It seems like a car is needed for almost everything these days and keeps us connected to the world around us. The decision to “take away the keys” is stressful for individuals and their families and can be a source of conflict.
There are ways to maintain safe driving habits at all ages. Christ the King Church will be hosting an AARP Safe Driving Class on Saturday, May 6, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The response from those who attended in December and January to this course has been very positive. To register, contact Peggy Johnson. Bring a sack lunch and brush up on your defensive driving.
Garden Terrace will soon be offering driving assessments. These assessments are performed by an occupational therapist using a driving simulator. The following driving skills are evaluated: motor skills, cognitive abilities, visual capacity and field of view. This assessment will provide individuals and /or families with more objective data about a person and their driving ability. If deficiencies are discovered, the occupational therapist can determine if rehabilitation training and/or exercises may help. This service is not covered by any insurance (including Medicare). For more information, contact the therapy department at Garden Terrace, 713-796-2777.