The ability to drive provides freedom and independence. However, age-related conditions such as macular degeneration and dementia can make driving less safe for some seniors. Your elderly relative may not want to give up this freedom easily, but you may need to take away your loved one’s keys if you suspect he or she is driving unsafely. Here’s a list of warning signs to watch for.
Getting Lost Repeatedly
Since people frequently drive near their homes and other familiar places, it can be a troubling sign if your loved one is starting to get lost while driving in these areas. Nobody likes to admit their cognitive abilities are diminishing, which means your loved one admitting to getting lost may be a serious warning sign his or her ability to drive safely is decreasing.
Helping seniors remain safe while they age can be challenging. Caring for senior loved ones can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is senior care. Phoenix families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Noticing Damage to the Senior’s Car
Driving requires good vision and quick reaction skills, but both of these can start to diminish as your loved one ages. Driving without peak skills puts everyone on the road in danger. One way to determine if your loved one is having difficulty driving is by examining his or her car. If you regularly see new dents and scrapes, it may be time to talk to your loved one about other transportation options, such as hiring a caregiver to drive him or her to important appointments and events.
Family caregivers who have difficulty providing transportation for their loved ones while managing other responsibilities should consider hiring professional caregivers. Elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Changing Driving Habits
Even when seniors know their driving skills are decreasing, they usually won’t admit it to anyone else. If your loved one is starting to question his or her own driving skills, you may see a dramatic change in his or her driving habits as well. Not wanting to drive at night and being stressed while driving are two key signs to look for.
Getting Traffic Tickets More Frequently
While your loved one may be able to hide his or her poor driving from you, hiding it from the police may be more difficult. An increase in traffic tickets and warnings is a major sign your loved one is becoming a danger on the road.
The inability to drive is just one of the many issues older adults face in their golden years. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Phoenix elderly home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
