Your elderly loved one is still able to drive around safely, but you might be concerned about how much longer he can still do so. Most likely, your loved one is concerned as well. He doesn’t want to lose a very important part of his independence. The good news is that he can take steps to help increase the odds that he’ll still be able to drive for years to come. Having a companion care at home provider can assist at those times when he can not do the driving.
Health Issues that Affect Safe Driving for Seniors
A lot of things have changed for your loved one physically, and those physical (as well as some mental) changes can make it more difficult for your loved one to drive safely, especially if he doesn’t address them and work toward improving them.
Here are five common health changes that could limit your loved one’s ability to drive.
Weakened eyesight. From changing prescriptions to cataracts and glaucoma, the eyes can develop issues that restrict their ability to see well enough to make traveling on the road safe. Regular aging of the eyes can make seeing at night more difficult and scratched-up eyeglasses can create streaks from refracting lights and create a chaotic line of sight.
Hearing issues. Your loved one may not hear as well as he used and for most of his day, it may not bother him. He can turn up the volume on his TV or phone, but unfortunately, when driving there is no volume control, and if he can’t hear what’s happening around him, he may not be able to reach quickly enough to a changing situation on the roadway in front of him.
Stiff and painful muscles and joints. If your loved one has arthritis or struggles with chronic pain, he might not be able to fully operate all parts of his vehicle safely. He might struggle to make any needed quick maneuvers when driving.
Slower Reaction time. It might take your loved one just a little longer to make a change in his plans when the original plan doesn’t work out. While this is fine with many daily decisions, on the road, sometimes quick reaction times are needed to prevent an accident.
Extreme fatigue. Many elderly people deal with daily fatigue due to sleep problems, health conditions, or medication side effects. Sleeping behind the wheel is just as dangerous as driving while under the influence.
Three Easy Steps to Take to Stay on the Road Safely
Get regular vision and hearing checks. Proper eyeglasses and hearing aids if needed can help your loved one travel safely on the roads.
Get enough sleep. A regular and consistent sleep routine will prevent falling asleep behind the wheel.
Eat well and exercise regularly. A strong body and mind can help your loved one drive for many years.
When Driving Help is Needed
Perhaps your loved one doesn’t need to give up all of his driving, but only limit it to times and locations he feels comfortable driving in. A companion care at home attendant can help with his transportation needs. A companion care at home provider can help bring him to appointments that are in unknown areas or during inclement weather. Your loved one can schedule pick-up times with his companion care at home provider, so he always arrives on time and safely.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Shelby OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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