Yes, you can take your car to senior apartments, independent living and assisted living communities as long as you’re safe to drive. You can’t bring a car to a memory care community and typically, not to residential care homes.

Keep in mind, independent living communities often provide transportation for residents. You might consider using their transportation if you rarely drive and don’t want to keep up with insurance and the maintenance costs. Plus, many senior apartments and independent living communities charge you for covered parking, and not all of them have parking garages. In Texas, or any other state prone to severe weather, most people would prefer to have a garage.

Moving to senior living is another opportunity to consider whether you or your loved one should be driving at all. If you’re moving from a small town to a senior living community in a bigger city where it’s more intimidating to drive, perhaps it’s time to sell the car or give it to a family member. If your family member’s car is showing signs of damage, it could also be time for them to stop driving for their safety (and the safety of others on the road). Your loved one may be resistant to stopping driving, so don’t be afraid to bring their doctor into the conversation so they can explain on your behalf and basically be the “bad guy”.

Topics discussed:

1. Bringing a car to senior living
2. Cost of parking in senior living
3. Covered parking / parking garages for seniors
4. Transportation for independent living
5. Dementia and driving
6. Bringing a car to independent living

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Senior apartments and independent living communities may charge an additional $50-$200 for covered parking. Consider whether you truly need your car, and the expenses that come with it.
2. If you’re not driving often, be sure to start your car periodically, so your battery doesn’t die.
3. Examine your loved one’s car. If there are signs of dings and scrapes, they could be having minor accidents and it may be time for them to turn in the keys.
4. Disable your loved one’s car if they have dementia and are showing signs that it is unsafe for them to drive. If you know your loved one has dementia and you continue to let them drive, you could be held liable if they’re in a car accident.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dementia behind the wheel: The Alzheimer's Association Tips to keep everyone safe

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/1afad7e7/067-dementia-behind-the-wheel-alzheimers-association-tips-to-keep-everyone-safe

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

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