You might not have realized it, but it’s very possible that driving has gotten a little more difficult for your senior to do on a regular basis. You might start noticing when you realize that she isn’t going out as much or if she has a close call or worse, an actual accident.
Cognitive Changes Present Unique Problems
Changes to how your senior’s brain functions means that she might not be able to multi-task as well as she needs to in order to drive safely. She may also find that her reaction time is a lot slower than it used to be, which can be a big change to get used to. If memory issues are also a problem, that can have a big impact on her ability to keep driving.
Pain and Difficulty Moving Cause Issues
If your elderly family member experiences stiffness in her joints and pain throughout her body, that has a direct impact on her ability to drive safely. That can mean that she’s unable to steer as well as she needs to or that she’s unable to look over her shoulder to check for traffic. If she’s got arthritis or other issues in her legs, then operating the gas and brake pedals safely may also be difficult.
Loss of Muscle Tone and Strength Play a Role
In general, most aging adults lose muscle tone, which means that their strength decreases dramatically. That can mean that it’s more difficult for your senior to grip the steering wheel and to operate the vehicle. It can also mean that it’s more difficult for your senior to press on the pedals hard enough for them to work as designed.
Vision and Hearing Changes Are Important, Too
Changes to your senior’s hearing and vision might not keep her from driving right away, but they certainly mean that her situation is changing. If your elderly family member can’t hear traffic, that can be a problem. A bigger concern is vision changes, because those can mean that your elderly family member is truly unsafe behind the wheel.
Giving your elderly family member other options beyond continuing to drive is one of the best things to do. Home care providers can take over driving for your elderly family member and they can handle other tasks for her as needed. They can also ensure that your senior is as safe as possible when she’s out and about.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in East Brunswick, NJ or the surrounding areas please contact the caring staff at Perfect Touch Home Care Firm today! (908) 469-2701
About Mildrene Volcy
Mildrene Volcy is the Owner at Perfect Touch Home Care Firm in Elizabeth, NJ. In 2013, Perfect Touch Home Care Firm was established to serve our communities and provide life-enhancing home care services to those who need care and companionship. Our home health care agency makes the patient the center of our care practice. We make it easy for persons who wish to stay at home in their preferred habitat to arrange available services in an easy, dependable, and respectful way. Our team of Certified Licensed Home Health Aides meets and follows the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and dedication to caring for those in need. We even offer professional staffing services for personal and agency needs. Following industry standards, our home health aides and nursing staff can be counted on for various service requirements.