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BEHIND THE WHEEL Driving resources for the elderly and their families By Sandy Bennett Published: September, 2005

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Susie MacGregor’s work at Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar puts her in contact with lots of adult children. Among their biggest worries, she says, is driving. “What I experience a lot from people in their middle age is the fear for their parents,” says MacGregor. “They don’t feel they should be driving, but they don’t know how to get their parents to stop driving.” It’s a difficult dilemma, particularly if your loved one doesn’t agree or see the need. One way to determine if they are still safe to drive ­ and to keep peace in the family ­ is to request a driver re-examination. The form, “Request for Driver Re-examination,” can be downloaded from the Department of Motor Vehicles’ website and includes a box to check if you wish to have your name kept confidential. “The driver won’t even know anyone sent something in,” says MacGregor. “They will receive a letter asking them to come in for a re-exam.” According to MacGregor, testing is done in a special office, rather than the DMV. Among the many areas evaluated are reflexes, peripheral vision and physical abilities. Transportation options For elderly adults no longer able to drive, try your local senior center. Though the services vary from city to city, most senior centers have some type of transportation program. Among the three main categories are disabled transportation, local transportation and medical transportation (for non-emergencies). The first provides door-to-door or curb-to-curb service for people with disabilities and those who are non-ambulatory for purposes of shopping, banking, social events, medical appointments, etc. The other two programs, which transport to the same destinations, are designed for those who are ambulatory. As with many other centers, Oasis Senior Center offers all three. To qualify for this particular senior center’s transportation program, the individual must be a Newport Beach resident, live in his or her own home or apartment, be over 60 years old and unable to drive. In addition, the destination must also be within the city. The fee is $2 each way for personal trips to doctors and places like the grocery store and $1 each way if they are going to the center for a class. As with the offerings, qualifications and fees will vary from center to center. In addition to programs at senior centers, elderly adults may want to consider public transportation options including ACCESS, the Orange County Transportation Authority’s shared-ride service. ACCESS serves individuals who are unable to use the regular, fixed-route bus service because of functional limitations caused by a disability. Passengers must be certified by OCTA to use the program and meet the Americans with Disabilities Act eligibility criteria. The standard fare is $2.25 each one-way trip within Orange County. Additional fees are charged if door-to-door service is required. “Most people prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible,” says MacGregor. “This is a way that helps them to do that.” Sandy Bennett is associate editor. WARNING SIGNS AARP offers this list of warning signs to take into account when considering whether one should begin to limit driving or stop altogether. • Difficulty staying in the lane of travel. • More frequent “close calls.” • More frequent dents and scrapes on the car or on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, etc. • Trouble judging gaps in traffic. • Increased honking by other drivers. • Getting lost more often. • Hard to turn to check over shoulder while backing up or changing lanes. • Medical conditions or medication that may affect an ability to handle the car safely. RESOURCES County of Orange, Office of Aging: Maintains a database of services for older adults. This includes a list of senior centers that offer transportation services as well as education programs on safe driving practices. Information: 800.510.2020. Department of Motor Vehicles: To download a copy of the “Request for Driver Reexamination” form, log on to dmv.ca.gov/forms/forms.htm and click on “Driver Safety.” The Hartford Financial Services Group: Offers tips on how to talk with older adults about their driving. Visit thehartford.com and click on “Family Conversations With Older Drivers.”

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