When seniors face the time that they have to stop driving, it’s a difficult decision. There are a lot of emotional issues tied up in being able to drive. That doesn’t even account for the practical aspects of seniors driving wherever they need to go. Home care can help seniors to make the tough adjustment to no longer driving.
Filling Transportation Gaps
One of the biggest concerns for aging adults when they stop driving is that they can’t go where they need and want to go anymore. Seniors may have been driving themselves wherever they needed to go for many decades, so this is a big change. Medical appointments, errands, social outings, and more are all important. Home care assistance can take over the driving duties, ensuring that seniors have someone there who can drive them wherever on their own timetable.
Offering Companionship
Home care providers also offer companionship to the seniors they spend time around. They’re there with seniors on a regular basis, getting to know the seniors they’re helping. Seniors and caregivers can spend time talking, playing games, and doing all sorts of other activities together. This helps to build trust, as well, which is important for seniors who are adapting to a new situation.
Assisting with Activities of Daily Living
If driving is becoming more difficult, it’s possible that other activities of daily living are also becoming difficult for seniors. Home care can help with personal care tasks, including dressing and bathing, as well as light housekeeping tasks, meal preparation, and so many other tasks. They assess what seniors need most help managing and then build a plan to offer the right assistance.
Ensuring a Safe Environment
Seniors have to have a safe environment if they’re going to remain in their own homes. Elder care providers have experience spotting what safety hazards seniors are facing in their homes. If the situation is one that is simple to resolve, they may be able to correct it for aging adults. But home modifications and bigger changes are ones that families may need to make a plan to resolve.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Even if seniors can’t continue to drive, they may still be able to keep their bodies moving on a consistent basis. Staying physically active helps seniors to maintain their independence and stay healthier. It’s always important for seniors to check with their doctors about any plan for moving more, especially if they’ve been sedentary for a long time. But moving more is often recommended as a solution for health issues and seniors can benefit from getting daily movement in.
When it’s time for seniors to stop driving, life can feel a lot smaller for them. Seniors can’t just jump in the car anymore and take off to wherever. Home care providers can offer a solution that keeps seniors mobile and offers a lot of help in other ways. These caregivers can also offer emotional support to help aging adults learn to deal with the new normal that they’re experiencing.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Highlands Ranch, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
