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Erie County's Older Driver Family Assistance Help Network - For families, friends, and caregivers concerned about an aging loved one who is driving "at risk" - (716)858-8526

Family, friends and caregivers are usually the first to realize when aging loved ones are driving unsafely or "at risk." They want to protect the driver, but often don’t know what to do about problems, or where to turn for help.

The Erie County Older Driver Family Assistance Help Network is formed of experts in the fields of aging, health, law enforcement, and driving to make it easy for caregivers to address impaired, at-risk, or unsafe situations, which can mean:

"It is not a driver's age which is of concern, but how that driver functions on the road."

The Help Network

Guide is Available for Concerned Caregivers

When You Are Concerned - A guide for families concerned about the safety of an older driver was published by the New York State Office for the Aging. Based on the successful actions of people who had assisted an at-risk older driver to drive safely or helped the driver retire from driving, it is full of "how-to" information for families and others facing decisions about what to do about unsafe driving.

For a free copy, contact The New York State Office for the Aging, 1 (800) 342-9871, or the Erie County Department of Senior Services (716) 858-8526, or visit http://www.aging.ny.gov/Caregiving/OlderDriver/DriverIntroduction.cfm.

"How can I tell if my loved one is at-risk driving?"

One of the first steps for families is determining whether there truly is an unsafe situation with an older driver; it often turns out that looking at things objectively changes the caregiver's perspective. One way is with an in-car assessment by a driver rehabilitation specialist or professional driving instructor.

Another is to complete the Unsafe Driving Checklist and to take action if indicated.

If you're visiting older loved ones over the holiday season, pay attention to their driving.

Call (716) 858-8526 for information and assistance from the members of Erie County's Older Driver Family Assistance Help Network.

c/o Erie County Department of Senior Services
95 Franklin St - 13th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202

Phone: (716) 858-8526
Fax: (716) 858-7259
E-mail: seniorinfo@erie.gov

Assistance with any other aging-related situation or information about programs and services for older adults is also available from Erie County Dept. of Senior Services.

Unsafe Driving Check List

If any of these apply, you should consider taking appropriate action. If after checking through the list you feel action needs to be taken, click here to look at the Family Action Flowchart, or click here for a Sample Letter of Concern.

From LePore, P.R. When You Are Concerned - A handbook for families, friends and caregivers worried about the safety of an aging driver. Albany: New York State Office for the Aging, p 21.

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This page was last modified on: Monday, February 28, 2011 at 5:18:46 PM