Helping aging parents know when to stop driving
TAMPA (FOX 13) - In the 1940's, Tampa was a budding metropolis. The Depression ended, the cigar business was booming and Nell Roerbeck was a lively 15-year-old.
She even drove her friends from Plant High to school in the family car.
"I had one day a week where I drove the car pool" said Roerbeck.
But as Nell approached 90, things changed. She decided to spare her children from worry by turning in her keys.
"I used to be able to, if I wanted to go someplace, I would just get in the car and go. Can't do that anymore." said Roerbeck.
While it made the situation easier for her family, other families can experience a bumpy ride when it comes to removing the keys from an elderly parent.
"Giving up your driver's license is a very difficult decision." said Kristi Campbell of Tampa's Home Instead.
She said there is a way to ease into the discussion.
"Let's talk about it being a game plan and maybe it being a step by step instead of a knee-jerk you can't drive at all forever", said Campbell.
For more information on assisting elderly parents, you can go to these resources:
Safe and Mobile Seniors - Find a Ride
Florida Senior Safety Resource Center