Why Is Driving More Difficult for Your Senior?
It might be tough for your senior to admit that driving is not as easy as it once was, but she’s not alone. Millions of seniors find that they aren’t able to drive any longer, and it’s usually related to one or more of these reasons.
Concentration or Problem-solving Are More Difficult Now
Caregiver Ada, MI: Seniors Difficulty Driving
Driving involves a lot of problem-solving and it definitely requires her to concentrate. If those tasks are more difficult for her in general, she’s likely finding that driving is more of a challenge, too. Your elderly family member’s brain may be going through some changes that make some of the tasks she wants to do much more difficult.
Some of Her Senses Have Changed
Driving also requires your senior to be able to see and hear what’s going on around her so that she can respond appropriately. If she’s losing her hearing or finding it difficult to see as well as she used to, that’s a problem in terms of staying safe as a driver. She may also find that she’s jumpier about driving, which can also be unsafe for her and for other drivers.
She’s Experienced Some Changes in Her Physical Abilities
Your senior’s physical capabilities also dictate how well she’s going to be able to drive. If her flexibility and her strength are declining, that’s an indication that she may not be able to control the car as well as she did in the past. That could mean that she’s having trouble looking behind her, for instance, or that her core muscles aren’t cooperating with remaining upright behind the wheel.
Medication Side Effects Are Adding Up
The medications your senior takes in order to help her can also have side effects that don’t help her. That’s especially true when it comes to driving. If her medications are causing her to have trouble with concentration or with her reaction times, then driving could be dangerous for her now. It’s important to talk to your senior’s doctor about what to expect with her medications, even if she’s been taking the same ones for a while.
If your elderly family member isn’t able to drive on her own any longer, that doesn’t mean she is stuck at home. Work with a caregiver to help your senior to get where she needs and wants to go. They can handle the tough part and she can just go along for the ride.
If you or someone you know needs help with a Caregiver in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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