In-Home Care and Senior Driving
It’s estimated that there are 31 million adults aged 70 or older still licensed and driving. Driving at that age can be safe, especially with some of the technology available in cars, but there are also risks. The side effects of medications, chronic health conditions, and vision all impact whether your mom should still be driving. When is it time to talk to her about giving up her keys and getting in-home care?
She’s Had a Health Event
Some health events require her to stop driving. She had a heart attack or stroke. Her doctors will not want her to drive again until they give her medical clearance. If she broke her arm, leg, or hip, she can’t drive until she’s fully mobile again.
Her Vision Changed
At your mom’s last eye appointment, her doctor diagnosed her with vision that’s too bad to safely drive. She might have an eye disease like macular degeneration, cataracts, or glaucoma that requires her to stop driving or drive at only certain times of the day.
You’re Finding Unexplained Scratches, Dings, or Dents
You stopped by to visit your mom and noticed a dent and scratches on her front bumper. You notice there is also damage to her mailbox post. When you ask her about it, she brushes it off as no big deal and that she misjudged the turn into the driveway.
That’s one sign that she’s having a harder time with depth perception. If she’s been for an eye exam recently, make sure she’s using the latest prescription and isn’t in old glasses. If she’s never worn glasses, ask if she should be.
She Was in a Crash
The biggest indicator can be a crash. If your mom was at fault, find out why. Some of the most common crashes with older drivers include misjudgment when merging, timing a turn, and failure to yield the right of way.
If she’s caused a crash, it’s important to address whether she should still drive. If she was dodging a child who ran out into the road, that’s an understandable crash. If she couldn’t check her blind spot due to neck pain, it’s a problem. Her safety and the safety of other drivers on the road are important considerations.
She’s on New Prescription Medications
Your mom’s doctor has her on a new prescription. This new pill causes drowsiness. She cannot drive for now. If she adjusts and finds the pill doesn’t affect her, you can consider letting her drive again, but for now, it’s best to have someone else do the driving.
In-home care aides can handle the driving. Your mom shouldn’t risk her safety or put others at risk. If she’s not supposed to drive, she needs to stop.
Arrange in-home care services today. An advisor can go over the prices and schedules with your family. Ask questions, get the information that you need, and make arrangements for in-home care.