Driving is something that millions of people do every day without thinking much about it. This skill allows people to go where they want and maintain independence. Seniors who have spent many years of their lives driving feel the same way about it. When their health starts to change, however, they may have to start thinking about giving up driving. And if they want to age in place, they need another solution, like help from home care providers.
Driving and Aging
So many factors affect whether seniors can keep driving safely or not. If they’re experiencing trouble with their vision or hearing, driving may no longer be safe. Seniors may also experience slower reaction times than they had in the past, especially in busy areas. Cognitive changes and memory loss make it tough to navigate and remain safe, too.
Home Care Supports Non-driving Seniors
When seniors stop driving, they don’t stop going places. In fact, it’s more important than ever for aging adults to have a solution for getting where they need to go. Elder care providers are an easy solution because they can help with driving and transportation, but they can also be there to offer all sorts of other support, too. Seniors can get help with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and even personal care tasks.
Improving Safety
Stepping back from driving helps seniors reduce the risk they’ll be in an accident. If seniors aren’t ready to stop driving altogether, agreeing on some safety rules can help them keep driving within certain guidelines. Driving only during good weather and during the day can be on the list, for instance.
Increasing Socialization
If seniors are scared to drive but haven’t mentioned stopping driving, they may be missing some chances for social engagement. When home care providers do the driving, seniors may be more likely to participate in activities and events that they used to engage in regularly. Caregivers offer a social component to daily interactions as well, greatly increasing social opportunities for seniors.
Improving Overall Well-being
Whether seniors opt to quit driving completely or not, making some of these changes and getting help from home care services can improve overall well-being for them. They may no longer be anxious about driving, for example, since someone else can do the driving for them. Seniors also have someone there with them who can watch for health changes and other issues that affect their health.
Practical Steps to Make the Transition
If family caregivers want to talk with their aging family members about giving up driving or stepping back from driving, planning ahead is important. Offering alternatives like home care services from the start ensures seniors have an option for transportation. Putting together an agreement about when driving needs to stop entirely is also important.
By giving up driving when it’s no longer a safe option, seniors can focus on other ways to age in place comfortably. Home care services can offer them the support they need to stay connected and independent in all sorts of ways.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Castle Rock, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
