Is It Safe For Your Older Parent to Drive?
In the US, over 45 million elderly drivers are on the road today. In the next fifteen years, the number of older drivers is expected to double. As we age, our eyesight, reflexes, and mobility can all be affected, but do these changes make it too risky for our elderly loved ones to drive? If an elderly loved one had personal care at home services, they could help with the driving.
Personal Care at Home Hyde Park OH – Is It Safe For Your Older Parent to Drive?
Seniors are a growing population, and it is important to consider their health and safety. For some seniors, driving is an essential part of their daily lives. It helps them stay connected to their community and keep up with their social networks. For others, especially those who live on a fixed income, it is a financial necessity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, each day 20 people killed in auto accidents are over the age of 65. Even if they have a good driving record, accidents happen.
Suggestions for Driving
If your senior is having trouble with driving, talk to them about the benefits of personal care at home. This will keep them safe and independent while driving or not.
It’s also a good idea to have them take their car to a mechanic to get it checked out. This will give them the chance to tell the mechanic if they’re having any issues with the car. The mechanic can also give you an idea of how often your senior should be taking their car to get it checked.
Your loved one should also take any medications that the doctor recommends. Some of these medications can make it easier for them to drive, and they may be able to get off the medications if they are able to drive safely. Another thing your loved one can do is talk to their doctor about a driving evaluation. The doctor may be able to recommend a driving course or a new medication that will help them drive.
How to Keep Your Senior Safe While They Drive
1. Talk to Your Parent: If you are worried about your parent’s driving, you need to talk to your parent. Do it gently, and explain to your parent that you are worried about their safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.
2. Seatbelt Use: Elderly should be wearing their seatbelt at all times, whether or not they are driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has guidelines for seatbelt use by seniors and strongly recommends that all older adults wear their seatbelts.
3. Check Their Vision: If your seniors have poor vision or are experiencing other vision impairments, they should not be driving. There are many types of vision problems that affect seniors, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
4. Personal Care at Home: If you have a parent who cannot drive, you can hire caregivers to help your parent with the basic tasks of daily living and to enjoy the comfort of their home and their independence. After all, being at home can make your parent happier, and that’s a great thing.
Let Personal Care at Home Step In
Many seniors are reluctant to stop driving. Indeed, driving may be an essential part of their daily lives. It may help them stay connected to their community and keep up with their social networks. Make sure your senior is safe and independent with our personal care at home services, give us a call today!
Sources:https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/older_adult_drivers/index.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/9201i_visualimpairmentfs_010813_v1a.pdf
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Personal Care at Home Services in Hyde Park OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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