Talking to your senior about quitting driving may not be a conversation you want to have, but at some point it isn’t one you can ignore any longer. It’s important to address the topic of safe driving sooner rather than later. When you and your elderly family member are able to agree on a time to stop driving, you can start to put a plan in place. The best solution to keeping your senior mobile after she stops driving is to rely on home care assistance. Here are 5 signs that it may be time to make this shift:
Her Physical or Mental Health Is Changing Significantly
Changes to your senior’s physical or mental health may be expected as she ages, but big changes may mean that driving isn’t safe for her any longer. If you’re noticing that your elderly family member is having trouble making decisions, is getting lost, or is in pain while driving, she may need to give up driving. Age isn’t necessarily as important as her ability to drive safely.
Your Senior Isn’t Physically Strong Enough to Drive
Beyond health issues, it’s important to consider whether your senior is physically capable of driving. If she’s losing a lot of muscle tone, it can be difficult for her to control the steering wheel and perform other necessary actions while driving. Talk with your senior about what specifically is becoming more difficult when she’s driving.
Medication Side Effects Are Worsening
The medications that your senior takes to manage her health issues could be more of a factor now than ever before. Even if your aging family member has taken some medications for many years, they can affect her differently as she ages. Drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness are especially dangerous side effects for a senior who is still driving.
Your Senior Is Showing Serious Signs that Driving Is Unsafe
There are other troubling signs that your senior is unsafe to drive. If she seems startled when other cars or pedestrians seem to show up out of nowhere, that can indicate that she’s truly not seeing them. Trouble seeing at night or getting lost in familiar places are other dangerous signs. If your elderly family member is in “fender benders” more often, that could be a result of her changing driving abilities.
Your Senior Tells You She Doesn’t Want to Drive
Finally, if your senior tells you that she’s scared to drive or that she doesn’t want to drive, take her at her word. It’s far better to hire home care assistance now and let them take over the driving for her than it is for your senior to potentially be in a serious accident. You don’t want to discourage your senior from doing things she is capable of doing, but driving safely is a serious situation that you cannot ignore.
Your elderly family member does not need to be trapped at home if she is no longer driving herself. That’s a fear that many seniors have, but elder care providers are an excellent solution. Home care assistance can be there for your senior in countless other ways, too, making her life both easier and safer.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Englewood, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
