How to Know Its Time for Your Senior Loved One Should Stop Driving

By 2020, there will be over 40 million drivers over the age of 65 behind the wheel. As we age, our cognitive abilities are hindered, which can cause increased dangers when driving. It can be challenging to tell your senior loved one that it is time to give up their license and car, but it may be best for them in the long run. Do you know what signs indicate that your loved one should no longer be driving? Below we break down some reasons your loved one should not be behind the wheel.

• Hearing impairment. Hearing loss happens in elderly individuals, which can affect their ability to hear emergency vehicles, honking or other sounds that are associated with driving a car.
• Vision changes. As our loved ones get older, they will more than likely experiences changes in their vision. They may not be able to see streets signs, street lights or the vehicles around them. This will hinder their ability to drive their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.
• Reaction times become much slower as they age. Overtime, our reflexes slow down, and our reactions may be delayed. As they get older, your loved one may not be able to make real time quick decisions that can increase their chances of getting into an accident.

24 Hour Home Care can offer a caregiver that can accompany your loved one to and from their destinations, with a ride-sharing service doing the heavy lifting of the transportation. If you believe that your senior loved one is better off not driving, you can offer him or her this alternative to have someone drive them, so they do not miss their appointments, social interactions, etc. This will allow you to offer them an alternative to what could be a very hard change for them to make. We know this process can be difficult and it can be an adjustment that takes time to get used to, but with 24 Hour Home Care’s assistance, your loved one will not be stuck at home without a means of transportation.