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by: Tehila Mörtl
We at Protect & Advise Senior Care Consultants believe it is of great importance to address elder law answers in regards to revoking an elders driving privileges. First, we appreciate the effects of losing one’s driver’s license can have on an individual and how difficult it is just to begin to broach the subject. However, given that motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are responsible for one third of death or injury in the U.S., this is not a topic to be overlooked or avoided no matter how difficult.
With the increase of elder drivers, driving safety is of escalating concern. Given physiological changes as part of the aging process, illness, disease, disabilities common amongst seniors, plus, increased visual, auditory, cognitive and motor ability impairments we, as a society, owe it to our elders to help them remain safe. As symptoms of one or more of these are exhibited, it is vital to keep a record and share such with your elder’s physician. According the HIPPA laws physicians cannot break patient confidentiality without concrete evidence of risk to public safety and well being. Therefore, Advise & Protect encourages family members and caregivers document signs of concerns regarding disabilities to provide their elder’s doctor. Such documentation not only assists medical providers ascertain the patient’s condition(s) but ensures the family member and/or caregiver reporting to the physician has a detailed listing so that no issues are forgotten or overlooked.
In addition to what has been discussed, other considerations for revocation or limitation of one’s driving privileges include such issues as episodic disability (i.e. cardiac concerns, epilepsy, abuse of prescription medication, intermittent vision changes).
Thank you for visiting Advise & Protect Senior Care Consultants and joining in our discussion on Elder Law Answers on Revocation of Driving Privileges. Please check back as we continue exploring other elder law topics including but not limited to trusts, wills, elder and nursing home abuse, etc. Meanwhile, please remember that many of our services are offered FREE of charge so, should you have questions or would like assistance, we encourage you to give us a call at 646-820-9202 and speak with one of our knowledgeable Senior Care Consultants. They will be able to answer any question you might have to begin the process.
