People are keeping their driving privileges longer than ever before, and using them to drive longer distances. According to CDC, there were more than 40 million licensed elder drivers in 2015, which is a 50 percent increase from 1999. If you are concerned about your elder loved one’s changing ability to drive, consider these options to help them stay safe upon the road.

Refresher Courses

There are driving refresher courses for those who are age 50 and over that help them compensate for physical impairments. This can include ways to compensate for decreasing flexibility, planning routes, avoiding distractions, maintaining safe distances and setting restrictions to promote safety such as not driving at night or limiting driving to certain distances.

Exercise

Helping your elder loved one develop an exercise program helps them not only drive better, but also live a better lifestyle with increasing energy and optimism. Strength and flexibility are important physical attributes to maintain when behind the wheel. Consider aerobics, tai chi or water aerobics—whatever excites your parent that will ensure a long-term commitment.

Medications

Make a list of all their medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements that your parent is taking and bring it to their pharmacist. They can check for any possible drug interactions or medications that may cause dizziness or other issues that may challenge driving abilities. Substitutions in medications or dosages are often achievable.

The Senses

Seeing and hearing play a vital part in driver safety. Make sure your loved one schedules yearly appointments for comprehensive eye and auditory exams.

Awareness

Statistically, elder drivers have a greater tendency to be involved in crashes that occur at intersections and are usually in the vehicle that is struck. Other common crashes with the elderly occur in circumstances where they are merging and the other vehicle is traveling faster or in their blind spot. When driving with your parent, help them be aware of the distance required to cross in front of other cars and the need to look behind them when changing lanes. If their necks are stiff to the point that this movement is limited, other considerations for transportation may be in order.

Elder Care Provider

An elder care provider can help with transportation as well as assist with the daily activities of living. They can accompany your parent on public transformation a few times to get them comfortable with the process. They can run errands, do the grocery shopping and make sure your loved one stays engaged through their elderly years and the change aging brings.

Resources:  https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/older_adult_drivers/
https://nihseniorhealth.gov/olderdrivers/howagingaffectsdriving/01.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care Services in Mooresville NC, please call the caring staff at BlueDot Cares today, (704) 586-9248.

Jimmy Clonaris

Jimmy Clonaris is Managing Partner at BlueDot Cares, where he oversees operations, caregiver standards, and service delivery for in-home care across the organization. With more than 19 years of experience in healthcare and over a decade with BlueDot, he has been directly involved in building and scaling care programs that support individuals aging at home.

His work focuses on the practical side of care delivery. This includes caregiver training and oversight, care plan consistency, and coordination with families and local healthcare professionals. Jimmy is actively involved in ensuring that care is not only well-structured on paper, but executed reliably in the home.

Over the course of his career, he has worked with thousands of families navigating care decisions, from short-term recovery support to long-term in-home care. His approach is grounded in clear communication, accountability, and building systems that allow caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality support.

Under his leadership, BlueDot Cares has grown to support tens of thousands of families while maintaining a locally operated, relationship-driven model. He continues to focus on strengthening the team, improving care standards, and ensuring families have a dependable partner when care is needed.