Maintaining a driver’s license is an important issue of independence for older Canadians, especially to those who have driven for most of their life. The Canada Safety Council reports that on a per-person basis, mature drivers have less than the average number of collisions. But on a per-kilometre basis, the over-70 age group is involved in a disproportionately high number of collisions.
The Canada Safety Council has several recommendations for senior drivers on their website at www.safety-council.org, The council also recommends that seniors take a driver improvement course such as the Canada Safety council’s 55 Alive mature driving classroom refresher course. Community Care provides this course regularly and the next offering is on Sept. 21. Call soon to get on the list 613-476-7493 because space is limited and it fills quickly.
The course is a driver retraining program designed specifically to help older drivers improve their driving knowledge and sharpen driving ability to compensate for normal age-related changes in physical condition. There is a concentration on the physical changes of older people as they relate to vision, reading and medication.
It deals with changing road conditions, rules and regulations and the need to understand collision – prevention measures. It focuses on the major problems which are common to older drivers, which include failure to yield the right of way, improper turning, incorrect lane changing, passing, and entering and exiting highways.
The sessions are made up of lectures, video presentations, group discussions and instructor guidance. There is no actual “on the road” driving. The instructor has been trained by the Canada Safety Council.
The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per person, which includes workbook, refreshments and a light lunch. Call 613-476-7493 for more information and to be sure your name is on the registration list.
Volunteer drivers
Community Care is seeking interested people to become drivers to take seniors to medical appointments and shopping and to deliver Meals on Wheels. If you have three hours per week give us a call and start the conversation.
Holiday closures
The Community Care office and thrift shop will be closed for Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 3.
Tour of Greece luncheon social
Seniors are encouraged to register for this event on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at noon. The menu features food from the country of Greece and will be catered by Bill Grieve, the chef with Wheel House and Occasions Catering. The cost is $10 per person.
This event will be held in the Picton Town Hall. There is an elevator for those who need it. Following the luncheon there will be a presentation on all things Greek. Reserve by the Tuesday prior at noon by calling 613-476-7493. Take out and delivery available.
-Debbie MacDonald Moynes