You might be tempted to take your loved one’s keys and ban her from driving altogether. But that’s a good way to keep your loved one fighting for a measure of independence. A better idea is to gradually phase driving out of your loved one’s day.
Gradually Work Down to Shorter and Shorter Trips
Limiting how far and how long your loved one is driving is a simple way to start putting limits on her overall driving. Shorter trips are less likely to cause a problem for her than longer trips might. Your loved one might find that her attention wanders more during longer trips, making driving more difficult.
Stick to Roads Your Loved One Knows Extremely Well
Trying new routes might make for more interesting trips, but it can also create problems for your loved one. If she has difficulty navigating on her own, your loved one is better served by sticking to routes that she knows quite well. It can help if you and your loved one plot out her trips before she ventures out.
Limit Driving at Night
Nighttime driving can be difficult for your loved one for a variety of reasons. If her night vision is bad, she may be a hesitant driver or she might be more likely to collide with something. Some elderly loved ones aren’t comfortable driving at night, either. Make sure that if your loved one does need to go somewhere after dark that she has other options.
Avoid Heavy Traffic Spots and Times of Day
The heavier that traffic is, the more likely your loved one can be to end up in an accident. She may also wind up more frustrated with driving due to heavy traffic. That frustration can cause her to make mistakes while driving.
Limit Driving During Bad Weather
Bad weather can be as difficult to manage as nighttime driving or heavy traffic. Limiting your loved one’s likelihood of driving during bad weather can help to keep her much safer behind the wheel. Keeping tabs on weather reports can make this easier for you and your loved one.
If your loved one needs to go somewhere during one of the times that her driving is limited, make sure she has another option. Elderly care providers, other family members, and even neighbors can all fit into your loved one’s transportation plan.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elderly Care in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
