Driving: Aging, Safety & Family Dynamics with Gerontologist Renee Skoglund

We talk with Gerontologist, Renee Skoglund, about a topic that many family members and loved ones are faced with- Is my loved one safe to continue driving? What are those age-related changes that affect driving, how do we spot those warning signs that may affect driving, what can be put in place to remain safe, who makes the decision to take away the keys, how do we empower our loved one to make safe, independent decisions, and all things aging and driving. We give helpful tips on how to help your loved one transition and thrive if they are no longer able to drive. Renee’s wisdom and insight into this topic, which is challenging for many, is not to be missed.

Renee Skoglund received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Drake University and a Masters in Gerontology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Colorado Graduate Fellow and received the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence.

She has worked in the Gerontology field for over 30 years, focusing on creating, implementing, updating, managing, and improving programs for people over 50.  Programs included the creation of a hospital-based adult day program, a hospital-based membership program, starting her own company to maximize activity, engagement, and happiness, which result in a better quality of life. Several of the programs received national awards.

She is now the Executive Director of a senior living building.

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates!

Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Born into a family of story-tellers she felt called to ask the questions and tell the stories. At her core, she is a collaborator and cheerleader for others by sharing the good work that they are doing in the world, and all for her favorite group of people- our elders. 

Our hope is to create a sense of community, inspiring a vision of life-long learning and engagement. Growing up, Nicole's grandma was able to live with her family and became one of her closest friends. Inspired by this special relationship and passion, she went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and became Activity Director Certified with NCCAP, working many years as a Director in a senior living facility overseeing their Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer and Spiritual Care Departments and as a private elderly care companion.

She is the founder of www.willGather.com which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by connecting Activity Directors and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals with vendors, venues, and others in the senior living industry.