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Signs of Unsafe Driving for Seniors and Why Home Care Services May be a Topic to Discuss

Home Care in Loudonville OH

Unsafe driving is an important discussion to talk about with teenagers who are first getting behind the wheel, adults who are exhibiting some unsafe behaviors and seniors who may be dealing with a number of physical, emotional, or mental challenges as they get older. For an elderly individual who is exhibiting certain signs that they are no longer safe behind the wheel, home care services may also be a topic family members want to discuss with them.

Below are a number of potential signs that an elderly family member of yours could be unsafe while out on the roads. If you recognize any of these signs with them, it’s well past time to sit down and talk to them seriously about the prospect of giving up their driver’s license. If they agree, or they have questions about how they will get to doctor’s appointments, shopping, running other errands, or even visiting friends, you can tell them that an experienced in-home care provider hired through an agency may very well be able to provide them the transportation services they need.

Sign #1: Drifting into other lanes. If you notice the senior is getting into the habit of drifting across the double yellow line or even crossing from the right lane into the middle or left lane on the highway, there may be a reason for that. He or she might not be able to see as well or is having a hard time focusing.

Sign #2: Getting confused or frustrated in traffic. If the senior is showing unusual signs of frustration in traffic, it could be directly related to confusion behind the wheel.

Sign #3: Accelerating for no apparent reason. If you notice the elderly driver is beginning to step on the accelerator too hard at times, especially if he or she is not in a hurry to get somewhere, it could be related to mental challenges.

Sign #4: They are having difficulty seeing pedestrians in crosswalks. If the senior driver suddenly comes to a stop because a pedestrian is crossing the crosswalk, and he didn’t see the individual before, it should raise red flags immediately. He may be having difficulty with his vision or his ability to differentiate between distances in space.

Sign #5: Stopping at inappropriate times. If the senior suddenly stops because he passed the road or exit, and then begins to back up, that is an extremely unsafe situation.

Any of these signs should indicate to family members that it may very well be time to talk about giving up his or her right to drive. If that’s the case, there are many home care services that can help your loved one continue feeling as though he or she is an independent person and able to get around town.

If you are considering hiring home care services near Loudonville, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Ashland, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Loudonville, Mt. Gilead, Shelby, Wooster and the surrounding areas.

Stephen Sternbach

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