Being told you have to give up Driving...
For many older Australians, and particularly those with dementia, relinquishing their driver’s licence is a pivotal and potentially overwhelming event.
The decision to hand over the car keys can prove difficult, leaving many feeling as if they have lost their independence. It also presents a challenge to primary carers, and GPs – often tasked with delivering the difficult news.
This is one of the most difficult things a Carer has to do. This is a Very emotional subject for the person. You are quite literally telling them they are no good, will never be able to have control of 'Their' own life again, that they are a danger to themselves and others, are not up to it, that they are useless..., and that is not to mention the almost sheer impossibility of getting them to do it.
One word of caution: Do NOT, under any circumstances tell them Yourself that they Must give up driving. This will almost certainly lead to an instant distrust of your Carer's judgement, your relationship with the person, and the almost compulsive Need for that person to PROVE, once and for all that they 'can drive'. In some circumstances, it has lead the person to simply take the car and drive somewhere (and possibly have an accident) just to prove that they can still do it. That they are still capable of being in charge of their own lives and they will not be dictated to by you or anyone else on what they can and cannot do.
One proven way to do it is for the Carer to make an appointment (just themselves) to see their loved one's GP. Explain in detail all of your worries and the circumstances. Do not hold back. Their GP needs to understand that you are extremely worried that your loved one may injure themselves or another person if they continue to drive. Give some 'near miss' examples. NOW, this has the added advantage that in answer to a question, you can say, "The GP said you were not to drive." You are sort of placing all of the blame on the GP, but this is much preferable to having the person Blame YOU for preventing them from driving.
Driving is a sort of 'right of passage' in life, and to lose this ability/have it taken away, is a Most dramatic thing to happen. Some never recover fully and end up withdrawing from the outside world. In a sort of denial.
Surrendering a License Is not the End of Independence
If your loved one does agree to stop driving, you can take solace in the idea that you’ve likely done a good thing for their safety and the safety of the public.
However, there is more work to do in order to make them feel comfortable with their decision.
After making this decision, your loved one should formally hand over their driver’s license and seek to obtain a state-issued identification card of another kind. Their options may vary, according to the state they live in.
https://www.aginginplace.org/when-should-a-senior-stop-driving/
September 2019
Driving assessments and medical certificates aged 75 years and over
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has changed medical certificate requirements for drivers aged 75 years and over. Effective immediately, senior Queensland drivers will not be required to visit their doctor or optometrist to obtain a medical certificate to meet senior driver licensing requirements.
Medical certificates that expired after 29 January 2020 will remain valid until six months after the COVID-19 emergency ends. If drivers have a 'M' on their current driver licence, they need to contact TMR on 13 23 80 or email [email protected] to have their current medical certificate extended.
----------------------------
Alzheimer's and Driving:
The NRMA has teamed up with Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to produce this much need resource to arm people with the information they need during what can be a difficult time.
This may help http://ctws.com.au/media/NRMA_-_Staying_on_the_move_with_dementia_-_booklet.pdf
One new case of dementia is diagnosed every six minutes in Australia, according to recent estimates, and more information is needed to help people driving with dementia and their families, says the NRMA’s President, Kyle Loads.
“More and more Australians are diagnosed with dementia every day and some are as young as 30,” Mr Loades said. “It’s critical that these people and their loved ones have all the information they need to make the right decisions around independent mobility and safety.”
---------------
And Stay Involved and Active - staying active after giving up driving is important for your loved one. Sometimes they will find an active lifestyle and change their routines, while others will want to move to areas with better public transport, or explore different transport options including lifts from family and friends.
Whichever it is; Smile and Actively Encourage!
There Are alternatives to driving yourself. Have a look at
Volunteering Gold Coast transport service
To medical, social outings, weekend outings...
Ph 07 5526 5288 for Transport Bookings at least 5 days in advance.
https://www.volunteeringgc.org.au/services/#shared-transport
https://www.volunteeringgc.org.au/resources-1/faqs/
and
Transcord Community Transport Inc
Ph 5539 3733 http://transcord.com.au/
A transport service for people with disabilities, seniors and their Carers to access hospital, medical and associated health appointments.
and
Taxi Subsidy Scheme
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/taxi-subsidy
Ph 1300 134 755
To be eligible - physical disability requiring dependence on or for all mobility outside the home/severe ambulatory/severe visual impairment…
Pay half the prescribed fare at the end of their journey +
show Smart Card (max subsidy of $25. per trip).
13 June 2019
and
About Companion card
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/companion-card/about-companion-card
If you have a disability and a lifelong need for 'attendant care support' in order to participate in community activities and attend venues, the Companion Card can help you with the costs of getting out and about with the support of a companion.
Companion Card holders receive a second ‘companion' ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport. The 'companion' ticket is also exempt from booking fees.
The Companion Card is issued in the name of the person who has a disability, and is valid for 5 years.
A companion is any person who accompanies a cardholder and provides attendant care support. The cardholder’s chosen companion may be a paid or unpaid assistant or carer, family member, friend or partner.
or
Ask your current service Provider. Arrange for their staff to transport to various medical appointments, or just for that fun outing!
-------------------------------------
Recharge points for powered mobility devices
We have partnered with Recharge Scheme Australia to provide a city-wide network of designated, free to use power points for people to safely recharge the battery of their powered mobility device.
Free Recharge Points™ are now located at:
Click to enlarge
To become a designated ‘recharge point’ complete the Recharge Scheme application form.
For more information contact the Safe and Liveable Communities Branch by email [email protected] or phone 07 5581 6642.
Mobility scooter use
For information about mobility scooters in Australia and safe mobility scooter use visit the Product Safety Australia website.
For many older Australians, and particularly those with dementia, relinquishing their driver’s licence is a pivotal and potentially overwhelming event.
The decision to hand over the car keys can prove difficult, leaving many feeling as if they have lost their independence. It also presents a challenge to primary carers, and GPs – often tasked with delivering the difficult news.
This is one of the most difficult things a Carer has to do. This is a Very emotional subject for the person. You are quite literally telling them they are no good, will never be able to have control of 'Their' own life again, that they are a danger to themselves and others, are not up to it, that they are useless..., and that is not to mention the almost sheer impossibility of getting them to do it.
One word of caution: Do NOT, under any circumstances tell them Yourself that they Must give up driving. This will almost certainly lead to an instant distrust of your Carer's judgement, your relationship with the person, and the almost compulsive Need for that person to PROVE, once and for all that they 'can drive'. In some circumstances, it has lead the person to simply take the car and drive somewhere (and possibly have an accident) just to prove that they can still do it. That they are still capable of being in charge of their own lives and they will not be dictated to by you or anyone else on what they can and cannot do.
One proven way to do it is for the Carer to make an appointment (just themselves) to see their loved one's GP. Explain in detail all of your worries and the circumstances. Do not hold back. Their GP needs to understand that you are extremely worried that your loved one may injure themselves or another person if they continue to drive. Give some 'near miss' examples. NOW, this has the added advantage that in answer to a question, you can say, "The GP said you were not to drive." You are sort of placing all of the blame on the GP, but this is much preferable to having the person Blame YOU for preventing them from driving.
Driving is a sort of 'right of passage' in life, and to lose this ability/have it taken away, is a Most dramatic thing to happen. Some never recover fully and end up withdrawing from the outside world. In a sort of denial.
Surrendering a License Is not the End of Independence
If your loved one does agree to stop driving, you can take solace in the idea that you’ve likely done a good thing for their safety and the safety of the public.
However, there is more work to do in order to make them feel comfortable with their decision.
After making this decision, your loved one should formally hand over their driver’s license and seek to obtain a state-issued identification card of another kind. Their options may vary, according to the state they live in.
https://www.aginginplace.org/when-should-a-senior-stop-driving/
September 2019
Driving assessments and medical certificates aged 75 years and over
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has changed medical certificate requirements for drivers aged 75 years and over. Effective immediately, senior Queensland drivers will not be required to visit their doctor or optometrist to obtain a medical certificate to meet senior driver licensing requirements.
Medical certificates that expired after 29 January 2020 will remain valid until six months after the COVID-19 emergency ends. If drivers have a 'M' on their current driver licence, they need to contact TMR on 13 23 80 or email [email protected] to have their current medical certificate extended.
----------------------------
Alzheimer's and Driving:
The NRMA has teamed up with Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to produce this much need resource to arm people with the information they need during what can be a difficult time.
This may help http://ctws.com.au/media/NRMA_-_Staying_on_the_move_with_dementia_-_booklet.pdf
One new case of dementia is diagnosed every six minutes in Australia, according to recent estimates, and more information is needed to help people driving with dementia and their families, says the NRMA’s President, Kyle Loads.
“More and more Australians are diagnosed with dementia every day and some are as young as 30,” Mr Loades said. “It’s critical that these people and their loved ones have all the information they need to make the right decisions around independent mobility and safety.”
---------------
And Stay Involved and Active - staying active after giving up driving is important for your loved one. Sometimes they will find an active lifestyle and change their routines, while others will want to move to areas with better public transport, or explore different transport options including lifts from family and friends.
Whichever it is; Smile and Actively Encourage!
There Are alternatives to driving yourself. Have a look at
Volunteering Gold Coast transport service
To medical, social outings, weekend outings...
Ph 07 5526 5288 for Transport Bookings at least 5 days in advance.
https://www.volunteeringgc.org.au/services/#shared-transport
https://www.volunteeringgc.org.au/resources-1/faqs/
and
Transcord Community Transport Inc
Ph 5539 3733 http://transcord.com.au/
A transport service for people with disabilities, seniors and their Carers to access hospital, medical and associated health appointments.
and
Taxi Subsidy Scheme
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/taxi-subsidy
Ph 1300 134 755
To be eligible - physical disability requiring dependence on or for all mobility outside the home/severe ambulatory/severe visual impairment…
Pay half the prescribed fare at the end of their journey +
show Smart Card (max subsidy of $25. per trip).
13 June 2019
and
About Companion card
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/companion-card/about-companion-card
If you have a disability and a lifelong need for 'attendant care support' in order to participate in community activities and attend venues, the Companion Card can help you with the costs of getting out and about with the support of a companion.
Companion Card holders receive a second ‘companion' ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport. The 'companion' ticket is also exempt from booking fees.
The Companion Card is issued in the name of the person who has a disability, and is valid for 5 years.
A companion is any person who accompanies a cardholder and provides attendant care support. The cardholder’s chosen companion may be a paid or unpaid assistant or carer, family member, friend or partner.
or
Ask your current service Provider. Arrange for their staff to transport to various medical appointments, or just for that fun outing!
-------------------------------------
Recharge points for powered mobility devices
We have partnered with Recharge Scheme Australia to provide a city-wide network of designated, free to use power points for people to safely recharge the battery of their powered mobility device.
Free Recharge Points™ are now located at:
- Broadbeach Library
- Burleigh Heads Library
- Elanora Library
- Helensvale Library and Cultural Centre
- Labrador Community and Youth Centre
- Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre
- Nerang Library
- Palm Beach Community Lounge and Library
- Robina Community Centre
- Runaway Bay Library
- Southport Library
- Upper Coomera Centre
Click to enlarge
To become a designated ‘recharge point’ complete the Recharge Scheme application form.
For more information contact the Safe and Liveable Communities Branch by email [email protected] or phone 07 5581 6642.
Mobility scooter use
For information about mobility scooters in Australia and safe mobility scooter use visit the Product Safety Australia website.