Keep Seniors Safe Behind the Wheel
Many of us consider driving a human right — one that would be hard to give up, considering how much independence it offers. Yet, for many seniors, the idea of giving up their keys can feel more like admitting their age than anything else. Family members may also struggle to express their concerns for fear that their loved one will react negatively.
The guide below incorporates several techniques families can use to keep seniors safe as they drive to and fro. These tips can also help family members broach the topic of driving to begin the conversation about giving it up. Each situation calls for a different approach based on respect and trust, but centering those discussions on safety can help families come to an understanding.
How to Keep Seniors Safe Behind the Wheel
Having a conversation with your aging loved one can break the ice about your concerns over their safety while driving. Regardless of how that conversation transpires, you can use the following techniques to encourage seniors to stay safe as they drive. Visiting Angels of Webster caregivers can also provide light transportation assistance for groceries, attending doctors’ appointments, or picking up prescriptions through our senior home care services.
Discourage Driving at Night
As we age, our eyesight diminishes, making it harder to see in the dark. Seniors should avoid driving at night because the lack of light can make it even more challenging to stay safe while turning, merging, and following the road. While this does limit what they can do later in the day — especially in the wintertime — it’s an approach that ensures their safety behind the wheel.
Visit Their Primary Physician
Difficulty driving may also be attributed to certain medications or conditions. Set up an appointment with your senior loved one’s primary physician to discuss their medications and possible side effects that may contribute to unsafe behavior behind the wheel. Physicians may also be able to suggest resources to help facilitate additional conversations about driving.
Schedule Annual Hearing and Vision Tests
Sight and hearing are vital to safe driving conditions, regardless of age. Seniors should visit their optometrist and audiologist annually to ensure they can see road signs and hear horns or emergency sirens.
Ensure the Vehicle is in Working Condition
Maintaining a vehicle can prove challenging as we get older, especially when health conditions and the hustle and bustle of everyday life keep us busy. Add time to your schedule to give your aging loved one’s car a good once-over, or schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic. Identify and fix any issues with the vehicle before they become a potential safety hazard.
Offer to Drive or Help Find an Alternative Solution
Relieving the burden of driving can also help seniors understand what resources they have available outside of driving themselves. For example, offering to drive your loved one around once or twice a week and assisting them with their errands or appointments offers several benefits beyond ensuring their safety while in the car. There are also additional resources seniors can tap into in Harris County and nearby areas:
- Harris County RIDES
- Harris County Transit Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program
- Harris County Transit ADA Paratransit Program
- Harris County Transit Bus Routes
- ActionS Inc. of Brazoria County Senior Ride Programs
We Can Help Seniors Stay Engaged and Active
Here at Visiting Angels of Webster, we understand that an older adult’s independence can rely heavily on their ability to jump in the car and get to where they want to go. However, our home care services and dedicated caregivers ensure that seniors receive the support they need while protecting their safety behind the wheel. If you’d like to learn more about our senior home care services, contact us to schedule a free consultation.