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Can Residents in Assisted Living Facilities Drive Other People?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Yes, residents in assisted living facilities can drive other people if state law and facility policies permit. Seniors come and go from facilities at will, so long as they notify staff accordingly. Many communities allow residents to keep their private vehicles if they hold appropriate licenses and park in approved areas. However, others don’t allow residents to keep vehicles on-site.
Laws regarding senior driving
For the safety of all road users, many states require older adults to periodically retest and update their driving licenses. For example, Arkansas mandates license renewals every 4 or 8 years for people aged 70 and older. In Colorado, an individual renewing their driving license when they reach age 80 must have passed a vision test within the previous 6 months. Idaho requires license refreshes every 4 years for adults aged 63 and above.
Furthermore, Maryland mandates those aged 40 and above to pass vision tests for license renewals. On the other hand, Kentucky and Minnesota have no special provisions for mature drivers. Considering these varied regulations, it’s crucial for seniors to check state laws to comply with licensing requirements. This compliance is essential to legally drive on public roads and maintain road safety for all.
Assisted living policies regarding driving
When facilities permit residents to keep a car and drive on-site, most require proof that seniors hold a valid license and auto insurance. Some facilities offer open parking on a first-come first-served basis, while others charge a supplemental fee for designated spaces. Seniors may use their vehicles to run errands or take trips, but policies often explicitly state that the facility holds no liability for drivers or their passengers. Moreover, policies often expressly forbid staff from accepting rides from residents.
If community policies restrict resident driving, seniors must respect facility rules. However, many assisted living facilities provide transportation to support senior independence. Communities may schedule transport for weekly outings and shopping trips, and some offer chartered services, although additional fees usually apply for private journeys.