There’s really nothing else like the feeling a senior has the day he hangs up his car keys. In that one act, independence can completely disappear. It is the reality that as we have aged, our deteriorating vision, reflexes, and mobility have become a potential risk to ourselves and others.
Wow, THAT’S a depressing scenario! It is a very common approach seniors have to the idea that they are no longer free to drive, but it certainly doesn’t have to be! Every single one of us is aging, and here at Parkview we hit this truth head-on! Everything on our campus is close by, and a shuttle is provided to get our residents safely to and from essential locations. The shuttle affords not only safe travel, but socialization opportunities as well!
Are you concerned about those all-too-regular doctor’s appointments? So are all of our residents, and we are committed to arranging transportation when it is impossible for friends and family to do so.
If you are starting to wonder if you should be continuing to drive, it’s time to speak with your doctor. He will give you some practical signs to look for and knows specifically what will start to be a challenge, considering your personal health conditions. Here are some immediate signs for potential concern:
- Stop signs and lights are routinely causing confusion. This means you sometimes stop when the light is green OR regularly run through stop signs or red lights.
- Getting lost is becoming routine, and you find yourself calling others for directions.
- Family / friends are expressing concern about your safety in driving. (A helpful assessment for caregivers can be found here. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/older-drivers ).
Some health issues may cause driving concern as well. It is important for seniors to evaluate even more carefully if they suffer from any of the following:
- Hearing or vision impairment
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes
- Medications that can impair reflexes and cause drowsiness
At Parkview, we do not consider a senior’s inability to drive a “disability.” It is simply a natural part of the aging process. It is our privilege to provide as much assistance in this season of life as we can to maintain joy and independence in the lives of our seniors!
Recent Comments