Beyond Driving with Dignity program gives families a proven, respectful way to evaluate driving skills together and plan a safe path forward
Incline Village, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Today marks the start of Older Driver Awareness Week, Dec. 1-5, and Senior Care Authority, a national eldercare consulting and senior living placement company, is encouraging families to begin proactive conversations about driving safety with aging loved ones before a crisis forces the issue.
According to NHTSA, adults 65 and older now represent nearly one in five licensed drivers in the United States, and drivers in this age group account for nearly 20% of fatal traffic crashes. Additionally, the CDC reports that 25 older adults are killed and more than 740 are injured in crashes every single day, which makes these discussions not only critical but highly time-sensitive.
Many families worry when they see small dents, hear mom or dad talk about getting lost in familiar areas or notice deteriorating eyesight, yet they often avoid the conversation out of fear it will create conflict. The team at Senior Care Authority understands that hesitation and offers a program that was created to alleviate that pressure. Senior Care Authority's Beyond Driving with Dignity is a national program developed by a retired Ohio State Trooper to help families navigate these conversations with compassion. The program is designed for older adults showing early changes in reaction time, vision, cognitive function or confidence behind the wheel.
"Driving is the last symbol of autonomy for so many seniors," said Frank Samson, founder and CEO of Senior Care Authority. "Children of aging parents don't want to be seen as taking something away. Seniors fear losing independence. We help families bridge that gap by guiding this important conversation—before an incident gives them no choice."
Rather than a pass-or-fail test, the program uses a guided self-assessment led by trained advisors to help older adults reflect honestly on their driving skills and comfort level.
"When we begin with empathy and curiosity, everything changes," said Loretta Rotolo, Senior Care Authority's Beyond Driving with Dignity program manager. "It becomes a conversation we are having together instead of something being imposed. That is why so many seniors choose safety themselves once they feel understood."
During the two- to three-hour assessment, facilitators help families determine if an older adult is still safe behind the wheel, whether adjustments could extend safe driving or if it may be time to retire from driving. Advisors also help build transportation plans that maintain independence through ride support, community shuttles and local mobility resources.
"For many families, having a neutral expert in the room is the turning point," said Erin Dwyer-Busch, an experienced franchisee that also provides coaching for the program. "Once parents see we are not there to take the keys, everything softens."
Senior Care Authority urges families to use Older Driver Awareness Week as a natural moment to raise the topic early. "The best time to talk is when your loved one can be a partner in the conversation," Samson said.
Beyond Driving with Dignity offers guided self-assessments to help families address safety concerns, understand abilities and avoid crisis-driven decisions
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About Senior Care Authority
Senior Care Authority® was founded in 2009, began franchising in 2014 and currently serves over 100 locations in 34 states. The network consists of certified, professionally trained local advisors who assist families with the challenges of selecting assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care. Senior Care Authority offers Eldercare Consulting services and is the exclusive provider of the Beyond Driving with Dignity program.
To learn more about franchise opportunities or the company's ongoing commitment to education and training, visit www.SeniorCareAuthority.com.
Contact name: Alexis Diehl
Phone number: 4699994975
Email: alexis@thrivecraftgo.com
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