Tips for Taking the Keys Away in Santa Cruz, CA & Nearby Areas

For seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, including Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Marina, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Salinas and the surrounding areas, having a car is a sign of freedom and independence, especially if they have mobility issues. Having said that, it's not always safe for the elderly to drive due to a loss in both physical and mental faculties.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that fatal vehicle accidents involving seniors outweigh those involving any other age group, with the exception of teens. It's hard for families to face this truth, but you need to know when to take away the car keys from a senior loved one to keep them safe.

How Families in Santa Cruz, CA and Nearby Areas Can Recognize the Signs a Senior Loved One Can No Longer Drive Independently

When you take a senior loved one's car keys, you should always put their safety first. For this reason, it is essential to be aware of warning signs and to approach the challenging talk with compassion and understanding.

Due to individual differences in health and ability, there is no set age at which older adults should no longer drive. That being said, there are some signs that they should give up their keys. Common signs include a loss of concentration while driving, blurred vision or hearing, sluggish reflexes and disorientation even in familiar environments.

Also, if your loved one has been in several car crashes or gotten traffic tickets, it may be a sign that they aren't as good at driving as they used to be. However, it's crucial to have a discussion about their driving abilities before it gets to this point so you can help reduce the likelihood that they harm themselves or others while on the road.

Having the Conversation

Families may alleviate their elderly loved ones' concerns about losing their independence when it comes to driving by gathering information about available alternatives and being there emotionally throughout the change.

It can be hard and stressful to talk about taking away the car keys, but it's important to do so with understanding and care. To begin, let them know that you are worried about their safety and the safety of other drivers. Many seniors may see the loss of their driving rights as a loss of independence, so be ready for resistance and denial. Let them know that there are other ways to go about town that will allow them to keep their independence and be a part of the community.

It can be very hard to take away a senior loved one's car keys, but families can help make the process go smoothly. The following are some ways that families in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties may assist:

• Talk to other family members and create a plan: When it's time to take a senior loved one's keys away, it is important to involve other family members in the decision-making process and come up with a plan to address your loved one's transportation needs.
• Offer emotional support: For seniors, losing the ability to drive can be a hard and stressful time. Assure them that you will be there to assist them with transportation and provide emotional support.
• Research local transportation options: Gather information about various transportation options for seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties and talk to your loved one about their requirements. If your family isn't always available to transport your loved one, these options can help your loved one get to their destination.
• Be patient and understanding: You should be patient while your loved one adjusts to having to depend on others for transportation. During this change, please be patient and understanding.

When to Seek Professional Help

Removing your loved one's access to their vehicle may not always be the best option to keep them safe. Seeking expert assistance may be required in such cases. To find out whether your loved one is fit to drive, a doctor may do a comprehensive evaluation of their cognitive and physical ability. Also, if your loved one has trouble driving, an occupational therapist might suggest adaptive gear that could improve their safety on the road.

Exploring Alternative Transportation Options

Just because your elderly loved one can't drive anymore doesn't mean they have to stay home all day. Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties provide a wide variety of transportation alternatives, including public transit, ride-sharing and programs specifically designed for seniors.

Some local transportation options for seniors include:

• Santa Cruz Metro, public transit in Santa Cruz County that offers senior discounts
• The Volunteer Center Transportation Program, essential transportation to local destinations from volunteers for elderly and disabled adults in Santa Cruz County
• Courtesy Cab, 24-hour cab taxi service in Watsonville that offers senior discounts and wheelchair-accessible vehicles
• Yellow Cab Company, taxi service available in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Salinas
• LIFT LINE Community Bridges, transportation for those in Santa Cruz and North Monterey Counties who can't access public transit; also offers taxi scrip coupons at discounted rates
• ITNMontereyCounty, transportation services for seniors and adults with visual impairments in Monterey County
• Senior Shuttles from Monterey-Salinas Transit, specially-designed routes for seniors in Monterey County to get to essential destinations

Having said that, you can't always rely on these choices. Here is when Visiting Angels Central Coast's incidental transportation services come in handy.

How Incidental Transportation from Visiting Angels Can Help Seniors in Santa Cruz, CA and Nearby Areas

We at Visiting Angels Central Coast know how important it is for older adults to continue living on their own and being involved in their local communities. For this reason, we provide incidental transportation services to ensure the safety and comfort of seniors residing in and around Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Marina, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Salinas and the neighboring cities. Whether it's to the grocery store, a social event, a doctor's appointment or another destination, our caregivers are here to help. Helping clients with walking, carrying baggage and navigating new locations is also part of our service, and we always go along with them to make sure they're safe.

Benefits of Incidental Transportation from Visiting Angels Central Coast

Visiting Angels Central Coast provides incidental transportation so seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties may enjoy their golden years without the burden of searching for or depending on others for transportation. Family caregivers may rest easier knowing that our caregivers are prepared to aid seniors who have trouble moving about, and that we provide transportation services to make their lives easier. The social engagement and companionship offered by our caregivers helps alleviate feelings of isolation that some seniors may experience as a result of their physical limitations.

With incidental transportation from Visiting Angels, seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties can continue to lead an independent and active lifestyle while ensuring their safety on the road.

Call Visiting Angels Central Coast at 831-430-0616 or fill out our form to learn more about incidental transportation and other home care services we offer in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.