Because August is National Traffic Awareness Month, all kinds of organizations are focusing on making the roads safer for everyone driving. One reason why aging adults often struggle to drive is that they are distracted, putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk. Seniors can be distracted by a cell phone, food, drinks, passengers and more. They can even be dealing with distractions they don’t even realize they have.
Elderly adults can also physically struggle to drive. Some conditions like arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, poor vision, poor hearing, and more can interfere with the safe operation of a vehicle. Elderly people also have slower reaction times and their reflexes are simply not as quick. Of course, many seniors are excellent drivers and aren’t dangerous on the road but family caregivers need to determine that fact on a case by case basis.
Family caregivers, close friends, and home care providers should get up close and personal on the issue of whether or not the aging adult is safe while driving. Especially during National Traffic Awareness Month, family caregivers must take the time to evaluate their aging loved one’s driving abilities by riding along and seeing things first-hand.
Here are just a few of the warning signs about seniors and the driving challenges they may face:
If family caregivers and home care providers are seeing problematic behavior during these drives, it may be a sign that the elderly person is no longer trustworthy to drive. In this event, family caregivers must have a serious talk with their loved one about restricting their access to cars. They can work with the home care provider to drive the aging relative to appointments, events, and outings.
While it’s difficult to give up the independence that comes with driving, many seniors are safer and better off surrendering their keys. During the month of August and National Traffic Awareness Month, families have to make hard decisions to keep everyone as safe as possible on the road.
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
Expert Members of
Approved Senior Network
All Rights Reserved | First Choice Senior Care