Warning Signs Indicating a Senior May Have Driving
Problem Offered by Senior Helpers
They encourage families to hire a caregiver to
drive their loved ones around and help with daily tasks
July 21, 2009 - It's an agonizing decision to take
away the car keys and apply the brakes to an elderly loved one's
driving, especially in a culture where driving often symbolizes freedom.
But an increase in the number of car crashes involving senior citizen
drivers this summer has the experts at Senior Helpers urging families to
watch for signs their elderly loved ones can no longer drive and, if a
problem is detected, to hire a caregiver to drive for them.
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"You can take away the car keys, disable a car or
have police confiscate a person's driver's license but that can create
hard feelings," says Peter Ross, founder and CEO of Senior Helpers,
which claims to be the fastest growing provider of in-home care for
seniors.
"We encourage families to hire a caregiver to drive
their loved ones around and help with daily tasks. The caregiver is not
only the driver but can be at extra set of eyes and ears at doctors'
appointments or grocery shopping. Plus, caregivers are great companions
and often turn into good friends so the senior doesn't feel lonely and
can still stay active and social."
Consider the problem with the recent wave of car
crashes in the past three months involving elderly drivers:
● Plymouth, MA. (June) A 73-year-old woman faces
criminal charges after ramming her minivan into a crowd. She was
involved in three previous accidents since turning 70.
● Danvers, MA. (June) A 93-year-old man
accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake and drove his car into a
Wal-Mart, injuring a woman and her 1 year old daughter.
● Winter Park, FL. (May) A 78-year-old man is
accused of leaving the scene after hitting and killing a pedestrian.
● Tierra Santa, CA. (April) An 86-year-old woman
drives through the front glass window of an office and hits a man who
later dies.
"Our reflexes naturally slow with age, and it's
difficult to measure how slow is too slow when driving," adds Ross.
"Some states are considering requiring driving
tests for seniors, but driving tests can miss the onset of diseases like
Alzheimer's that affect judgment, understanding and memory which cause
many of the accidents. So often the family has to recognize it's time to
stop the senior from driving."
Warning signs an older person's driving ability
may be impaired
● Drives too fast or too slow, brakes often or
abruptly changes speed.
● Has trouble reading signs, pavement markings,
or seeing after dark.
● Misjudges distances, frequently gets lost or
misses turns.
● Has difficulty operating vehicle controls or
confuses gas and brake pedals.
● Has difficulty making quick moves, is easily
startled or fails to notice other vehicles.
● Acts agitated, confused, lethargic or anxious
● Struggles with left turns
Solution may be a driver and companion
Hire a caregiver who can be a driver and companion.
It worked for Anne Worster of Denver, Colorado who hired a caregiver to
drive her 96-year-old mom to doctors' appointments because it was
difficult to leave work. "It was great because the caregiver took
notes and called me right after the appointment," says Anna.
"I got a full report and it made me feel at ease
that I wasn't sending mom in there alone. Plus, it's so nice to trust
someone to drive mom so I don't worry about her safety or the safety of
anyone else."
"Children must reassure their elderly parents they
can still see friends and be involved in activities even if they can't
drive," says Ross.
"Hiring a caregiver who can be a driver eases some
of the conflict in the decision to take away the keys because it
preserves the senior's independence and provides a companion at the same
time."
About Senior Helpers
Senior Helpers connects professional caregivers
with seniors who wish to live at home as opposed to a nursing home or
assisted living facility. The company has 260 franchises in 37 states
and offers a wide range of personal and companion care services to
assist seniors living independently with a strong focus on quality of
life for clients and peace of mind for their families. Senior Helpers
strives to be the leading companion and personal care provider that
offers dependable, consistent and affordable home care.
● Website:
http://www.seniorhelpers.com/
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