Age-related macular degeneration, dementia, and several other health issues can impact a senior’s ability to drive. It’s also difficult to figure out the exact time a senior poses a threat to him or herself or others by driving. Keep an eye out for the following signs your aging parent may need to quit driving.
An Increase in Traffic Citations
If there’s a noticeable uptick in the amount of citations your parent is getting, you need to talk to him or her about not driving. Receiving multiple traffic citations and speeding tickets means your parent’s driving abilities are so impaired that they’re being noticed by police officers.
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A New Medical Diagnosis
In the event your parent has recently been diagnosed with a health issue, you need to think about how this diagnosis could affect the ability to drive. Medical conditions that affect your parent’s ability to move, see, hear, or think logically may be a sign it’s time for you to find other transportation arrangements for him or her.
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Frequent Close Calls
In case your parent is narrowly escaping car accidents on a frequent basis, he or she may be facing difficulty driving. When your loved one’s reflexes and driving skills are starting to decrease, you may want to talk to him or her about handing over the car keys.
A Car Accident
You should evaluate your parent’s driving ability after any accident. Even incidents where no one is hurt and no vehicles are severely damaged may still be a sign your loved one is having difficulty driving.
Inability to Recall Directions
If your parent often calls you in a panic or takes a long time to get somewhere because he or she gets lost on the way, it may be a sign of cognitive decline. Your parent shouldn’t be driving if he or she runs the risk of getting dangerously lost.
Damage to the Car, Garage, or Other Surroundings
Many seniors try to hide driving issues from their children because they want to retain their independence for as long as possible. You might spot signs of an accident by observing the car, the garage, the mailbox, or other things surrounding the driveway. Keep an eye out for scratches, chips, dings, and dents.
From driving to meal prep, older adults may require assistance with an array of tasks. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Tucson Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your elderly parent, give us a call at (520) 276-6555 today.