There comes a time in most senior citizens' lives when they need to answer a very difficult and humbling question. Am I safe behind the wheel of a car? Cara Thomas has more about a program in the Mohawk Valley that helps seniors keep their independence even after handing over the keys.
SAUQUOIT, N.Y. -- When Elizabeth Bohling made the choice to stop driving several years ago -- it was one of the hardest decisions she ever had to make.
"Now I had to depend on people. If I wanted to get out of that house I had to depend on people," said Bohling.
Bohling was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, a disease which causes vision loss and ultimately blindness.
"I went to three different doctors and each one of them told me not to drive again. Now, I still have my license, I still have it, but I decided right then I wouldn't put my life in danger or anyone who's a pedestrian," Bohling said.
In addition to poor eye sight, there are several effects of aging that make getting behind the wheel a dangerous decision.
"Some of the signs are forgetting just small tasks or things, mobility of reaction, like their time for stopping is a big one," said Nancy Hampel, a Way2Go Mobility manager.
Giving up the keys, doesn't mean losing your independence. Transportation advisors at the Parkway Center say there are plenty of other alternatives that won't break the bank. Like taking the bus, or carpooling with a friend or neighbor.
"We have quite a few resources and guides here that we've created so a person can look at those and try to pick what's best for them," Hampel said.
Through their new 'Way to Go' program, the Parkway Center in Utica, helps seniors put an action plan in place and adjust to this new way of life.
"I said, I've made all kinds of conditions for my lifestyle now. He said 'I'm proud of you' and I said, 'You know doctor, I'm proud of myself," Bohling said.
An obstacle she never let define her, instead gave her motivation to find happiness and freedom despite her limitations.
The Parkway Center also offers limited transportation services. They have a bus that drives seniors to and from the parkway center. They also have a volunteer, non-emergency medical transportation program.
Center leaders say they always need more volunteers to sustain that high-demand service.