Your elderly loved one has probably been driving her entire life. She’s grown accustomed to being able to hop into her vehicle whenever she needs to go somewhere and simply drive to her desired location. For many seniors, driving never becomes a problem, but for others, driving becomes a dangerous situation that either needs to be reduced or eliminated to keep your loved one safe, as well as everyone else on the road with them.
What Can Cause Driving Issues
Just as anyone can have health issues that may make it more difficult to drive or dangerous to drive, your elderly loved one’s health can change and create a situation where getting behind the wheel becomes dangerous. For the elderly, there are common health conditions that increase the possibility of losing their ability to drive a vehicle, if not permanently, at least during specific circumstances.
Health issues that may affect driving include:
- Vision loss. Whether it’s cataracts, glaucoma, or low vision, your loved one may begin to struggle with reading road signs, judging distance, or seeing in low-light situations.
- Hearing loss. Being able to hear what is happening on the road is just as important as being able to see what is happening. Hearing can help your loved one react properly to an incoming emergency vehicle or react to a horn being honked at her.
- Mobility issues. If your loved one has mobility issues due to arthritis or another health condition, it can affect how well she can turn to see out of her windows or possibly move her leg quickly enough to slam on the brakes in an emergency.
- Cognitive issues. When driving, it’s important to be clear-headed at all times, able to make a quick decision if needed, and able to understand what is happening on the road around you.
Most Common Times of the Day That Cause Driving Issues
Some seniors don’t need to give up driving completely, just in certain situations. Many elderly individuals will be aware that some conditions make driving difficult for them and put them and others in danger. Some common driving conditions that many seniors find themselves avoiding as they age include driving after dark, driving in inclement weather, or driving into unknown areas. If your loved one expresses concern about driving in any of these types of conditions, always take her concerns seriously and help her find a replacement means of transportation.
Getting Help with Transportation
While losing the ability to always be able to drive when and where she wants is difficult, you can ease her frustration with the situation by providing safe and reliable transportation options for her when she needs them. There are several options available, and choosing which one to use is often based on availability, safety, and cost.
While public transportation services are often available and low-cost, they aren’t always the safest means of transportation for seniors.
Ride services like cabs and other pay services are one of the safest ways to get somewhere, but can be expensive if used often.
Friends and family may be safe and inexpensive, but they aren’t always a reliable means of transportation.
A senior home care provider is one of the safest senior transportation options available. Your senior will get help right from her front door to her desired location with kind, courteous, and reliable services.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Transportation in Lafayette, LA, please contact the caring staff at BrightCare Homecare today. Call (337) 279-5466
BrightCare Homecare is a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Lota, and the surrounding areas.
Through a personalized care plan, BrightCare HomeCare provides the necessary services and care to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help achieve optimum health and wellness.
We are a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Iota, and the surrounding areas.
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