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Having the 'Driving' Conversation With Older Clients, or Their Parents
Over the past few months, I have noticed many articles in newpapers, magazines and trade publications addressing the question of when the appropriate time is to "take away the keys" from parents, spouses or a friend. Your clients may be facing these questions, for themselves or their parents or other family members.
Whether you notice dents in the car that were not there previously or changes in driving patterns (not wanting to drive at night), these and other developments may be the cues that the time has come for this difficult discussion. Any discussion about changes, especially about driving cessation, can be quite uncomfortable for both parties involved for many reasons (see my previous blog posting on ‘Starting the Conversation.’). It means a loss of freedom and independence for the individual affected. It is also a "role reversal" for many of us or our clients who have elderly parents or spouses with whom we need to have the conversation.
One of the organizations of which I am a member, the American Society on Aging, or ASA, recently published a wonderful article about this very topic called The Driving Transitions Education Program. This program was developed through funding provided by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There is an ASA online program which offers tips and tools to provide individuals with tips on how to facilitate the conversation. There are four sections of the program which include how to prepare for and begin the conversation, tools and scripts to use for the discussion, practical exercises and research sources to those who find themselves in the dilemma of "having the conversation".
In addition to the ASA website, another very useful site, CarFit, has helpful materials on this topic. You can also visit the NHTSA site, and search the site using the keywords "older drivers."
I hope these sources will help those who "need to have the conversation."
About the Author
Rosanne Rogé, R.W. Roge & Co.
Rosanne joined R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc. in January 1995. A CFP, CSA and RFGSM, she is a graduate of C.W. Post - Long Island University's Certificate Program in Financial Planning and the College for Financial Planning Para-Planner Program.
Ms. Rogé is certified by The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to use the professional certifications CFP and Certified Financial Planner. She is also a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA); the Society of Certified Senior Advisors is dedicated to providing continuing education that addresses new developments and research concerning seniors. The Society is also committed to promoting the recognition of Certified Senior Advisors as knowledgeable professionals serving seniors.
Ms. Rogé also holds the title of Registered Financial Gerontologist (RFGSM), which she earned "With Distinction" Honors after successfully completing the Comprehensive Examination for the Registered Financial Gerontologist, given by The American Institute of Financial Gerontology (AIFG), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ms. Rogé is a Financial Services affiliate of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the national organization of fee-only planners. Ms. Rogé was elected as an Associate Trustee and a member of the Stewardship Committee of the Jefferson's Ferry Foundation. Jefferson's Ferry is an outstanding life care retirement community on Long Island. Also, Ms. Rogé is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). She previously worked at Cigna Individual Financial Services where for four years she prepared financial plans and analytical projections for Clients. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) in Human Relations/Psychology and Associate in Applied Science degrees from Pace University.
In May 2010, Wealth Manager Magazine again named Rosanne Rogé as one of the 50 most influential women in wealth management. Ms. Rogé has held several securities licenses (NASD Series 6, 7 and 63) and is a New York State Life, Accident and Health Insurance licensee. She chairs the Client Services Committee of R. W. Roge & Co. and serves on the Investment Management Committee.
In May 2008, Investment Advisor magazine named Rosanne Rogé as one of the "25 Most Influential People in and around the Financial Services Profession." Her advice is frequently sought after by the press and media. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Personal Finance Magazine, Investment Advisor Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Newsday and USA Today.
Rosanne is also co-author to the newly released book, The Banker and the Fisherman: Lessons in Life, Happiness and Wealth for the 21st Century.
Rosanne is a native New Yorker and has a passion for dogs, flowers, nature and sailing.
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