In-Home Care – Safe Driving Rules For Seniors Over 65

By Jamie Shapiro | July 25, 2023 | Comments Off on In-Home Care – Safe Driving Rules For Seniors Over 65
In-Home Care

These days most seniors want to stay at home as they get older. And that means they need to keep driving. According to the CDC there are more drivers over the age of 65 than ever. The number of drivers who are 65 or older has increased more than 65% in the last 20 years.

Seniors can drive safely as they get older. But seniors should recognize that the normal aging process will have an impact on their ability to drive. Slower reaction times, impaired vision, and impaired hearing can all affect a senior’s driving. So can things like:

  • Medication side effects
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Low blood sugar caused by not eating
  • Distractions

That’s why seniors who want to drive safely should always follow these unwritten rules:

Don’t Drive Alone

It’s safer for seniors to have someone with them as they drive. A companion in the car can act as a second set of eyes and ears. They can help seniors navigate highways, roundabouts, and other challenges. And having someone in the car means that seniors can get immediate help if they need it. Seniors who have in-home care will always have someone to go with them on trips to the store or to run errands. That’s one of the many reasons why all seniors should have in-home care.

Don’t Drive Impaired

Seniors who have had a glass or two of wine at lunch shouldn’t drive. Even if they have eaten a meal the alcohol could affect their driving or judgment. Alcohol can hit seniors harder than other age groups. And if seniors don’t usually drink, having a drink or two can impair their judgment and slow their reflexes. Seniors who take strong pain medications like opiate pain medications shouldn’t drive. Neither should seniors who are taking strong medication for mental illness.

Don’t Drive At Night

Seniors shouldn’t drive at night. Even seniors who think their vision is fine can struggle to see clearly at night. And any senior can experience difficulty with spatial relations in a moving car at night. Seniors who want to go out at night should have an in-home care provider drive. Or use a rideshare or call a cab. Part of driving responsibly is knowing when it’s not a good time to be driving.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Distractions make driving difficult. And unfortunately, distractions are everywhere these days. Seniors should not turn on music or talk radio when they’re in the car. That will allow them to focus on driving. It’s also smart to turn off GPS navigation. The voice of GPS navigation systems can be very distracting. And seniors should probably turn off their cell phones too. Or, put them on silent. That way a ringing phone won’t startle a senior into losing control of the car. Or careering off the road into a ditch.

Seniors who are concerned about their ability to drive should take a driver’s safety course. The course will help them polish their driving skills. And it will help them remember the rules of safe driving.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Highland Park, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

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Jamie Shapiro
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