Driving Alternatives, and Benefits of Not Driving, for Seniors

On Monday, we gave you a few tips on how to determine when your aging loved one is no longer fit to drive.

As statistics show, there are many older adults involved in motor vehicle accidents; according to the CDC, a daily average of 15 were killed and 500 injured in crashes in 2008 alone.

However, asking your parent to give up the independence that comes with driving can be extremely difficult for both you and them. So, to make things much easier, we’re going to give you several driving alternatives as well as the benefits of not driving. Take a look below:

Driving alternatives

There are a wide variety of transportation alternatives that will allow your loved one to maintain their independence even if they can’t drive. Below, we’ve outlined just a few:

  • Public transportation. Most major cities have an extensive public transportation system that allows people to get around with little to no trouble at all, such as the train/rail system or bus system. In addition, public transportation costs for seniors are usually reduced, making it a great alternative for your wallet as well.
  • Carpooling. Your loved one may also consider carpooling. This is a great way to keep in touch with friends, family and neighbors who are more than willing to lend a helping hand and some good company.
  • Shuttle service. Shuttle services may also be available in local communities, especially among senior-friendly places, such as senior homes, doctor’s offices, place of worship, or community centers.
  • Taxis/private drivers. Taxis are often fast and convenient and can offer your loved one privacy, unlike other alternatives. You may also hire a professional chauffeur who is scheduled to take your loved one around during the day allowing for consistency and a personal touch.
  • Walking/cycling. If your loved one lives in an area that is short distance to where they need to go (e.g. grocery store, community center, place of worship), they may also consider walking or cycling, which is a great and healthy alternative to driving. Just make sure to consult your parent’s doctor to make sure they are fit enough to go such a distance.

Benefits of not driving

Reduced expenses. Depending on how often your loved one drives, trading in your car can help to reduce a number of monthly expenses, such as insurance, gasoline, car payments, up-keep, storage fees, etc.

Exercising instead of driving. As we mentioned above, trading in your loved ones wheels can help motivate them to exercise, which is a great way to improve their health mentally and physically, maintain their independence, and give them a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Check back on Friday when we wrap up series with a post on how to approach your parents about no longer driving. And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your loved one, please feel free to give us a call. We’d love to help you.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

photo credit: Royal_Rivers via photopin cc

“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.pchhc.com.”

 

 

When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

Last week, we began our series on senior driving with a discussion on statistics concerning elderly drivers, how age affects your driving, and how to maintain your independence and stay safe on the road.

As we’ve mentioned, concern over our aging loved ones getting behind the wheel is certainly a legitimate one. However, because age affects us in many different ways, sometimes it’s not altogether clear how to determine when your aging loved one is no longer fit for driving based on age alone.

To help you gain a better understanding of the matter, we’re going to outline a few instances that may indicate that it is time for your aging loved one to stop driving.

Before driving

As we mentioned in our section about how age affects your driving, there are many physical and mental impairments that may conflict with your ability to drive. Thats why it’s important to have your loved one check with their doctor annually to make sure they’re fit to drive.

Here are a few things you should look for (adapted from helpguide.org):

  • Conflicting medications. Certain medications or combinations of medications can affect a number of things such as reflexes, senses, vision, or causing fatigue, making it difficult to drive. Ask your parent’s doctor to go through all medications with you and your loved one.
  • Vision/Hearing problems. Although there have been major advancements in hearing aids, sometimes that is not enough. Depending on the severity of their vision/hearing problems, your parent’s doctor may suggest that they stop driving.
  • Problems with reflexes and range of motion. Your parent’s doctor may also find that the constant movement (i.e. pressing on pedals, turning the wheel, looking back and forth, etc.) required to efficiently drive a car may be too much for your parent’s physical health.

While driving

Outside of what your parent’s doctor can tell you, there are other telltale signs that it’s time for your loved one to stop driving. Here are just a few:

  • Getting lost frequently or missing scheduled appointments, especially on familiar routes.
  • Increased traffic violations due to swerving in and out of lanes, missing stop signs, not reading road signs, or running through traffic lights.
  • Finding dings or scrapes on the car, as well as on fences, mailbox, garage doors, curbs, or marks in the yard.
  • Increase in flat tires.
  • Increased anxiety while driving or frequent experiences of road rage/honking from other drivers.
  • Frequent and sudden stops while driving or confusing the gas and brake pedal.
  • Frequent close calls or any other accidents

On Wednesday, we’ll discuss various alternatives to driving, as well as the benefits of not driving. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your loved one, please feel free to give us a call. We’d love to help you.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

photo credit: Nick.Fisher via photopin cc

“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.pchhc.com.”