Safe driving is essential for people of all ages, but it becomes even more critical as people age. Some physical and mental changes that come with getting older can affect a person’s ability to drive. For this reason, seniors need to take certain steps to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Seniors can continue to enjoy the freedom and independence of driving while minimizing risks by being cautious, following best practices, and making necessary changes.
This is a sensitive subject for all, especially as loved ones worry if seniors should be driving. However, with support from companion care at home monitoring seniors’ reaction times and general health, seniors and loved ones should be able to find an arrangement that works for everyone. In the meantime, some critical considerations for safe driving for seniors are detailed below.
Helpful Steps to Take For Continued Driving
When discussing the possibility of seniors continuing to drive, it’s essential to talk in a supportive manner with open dialogue, patience, and compassion. Following these guidelines can keep the conversation beneficial for all.
General Health Factors
Seniors should have regular medical checkups to keep track of their general health, including their vision, hearing, and cognitive functioning. These checkups can help find any changes in age that might affect their ability to drive. Vision and hearing tests are especially important for safe driving. Seniors should check their eyes at least once a year to ensure their glasses or contact lens prescriptions are current and that eye problems, like cataracts or glaucoma, are adequately treated. Also, hearing tests can find any loss of hearing that might make it hard to hear sirens, horns, or other vital sounds on the road.
Be Aware of Medication Effects
Seniors should understand how their medications affect them. For instance, some medications can make them sleepy, dizzy, or slow to respond, making driving hard. Seniors should talk to their doctors or pharmacists about how their medicines might affect their driving ability and follow their advice. Having companion care at home also provides effective medication monitoring to see if there are better times for seniors to drive than others.
Avoid Distractions
It’s essential for everyone to avoid distractions while driving, but it’s even more critical for seniors. They shouldn’t talk on their cell phones, eat, or do anything else that could take their attention off the road. Seniors can respond quickly to unexpected events when they only think about driving. Additionally, talk with seniors about when they drive. During the day, and possibly in the morning, are best, as fewer people are on the road and they might be less tired. Also, nighttime driving can be difficult, depending on vision issues.
Take a Driver Safety Course
Several organizations offer driver safety training for seniors. These courses teach them important things about defensive driving, changes to the rules of the road, and how to handle challenging scenarios. Seniors can feel more confident and sharpen their driving skills by participating in such activities.
When driving is hard or dangerous, seniors should think about other ways to get around. With companion care at home, they can get out and do the things they love without the pressure of driving. Ultimately, the conversation about no longer driving is tough, but loved ones should first work with seniors and the above tips to see what works best.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Phoenix, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
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Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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