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Safety Driving Tips for Seniors

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f you have an older relative who loves to drive, it is important to regularly check their driving skills.  Having regular motor safety “checkups” will ensure that any age-related medical conditions they have do not impair their ability to safely handle a vehicle.

Your older relative may become a danger to themselves or other road users if they develop a health condition that makes it difficult to drive safely.  Some older drivers also have to take medications that can affect their ability to drive well.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your loved one is safe behind the wheel.  This article on safety driving tips for seniors will review the ways that you can ensure your older relative is safe and can continue using their car.

Have regular health checks performed

Age-related health conditions are the most common way that an older person loses their ability to drive well.  Talk to your relative’s doctor and organize regular health checks that look at the abilities needed to handle a vehicle well.

Some of the health checks that should be performed include:

  • Regular eyesight and hearing tests
    Your relative’s eyesight and hearing must be tested on a regular basis. This will ensure they can easily see and hear other vehicles on the road.  Your relative’s night vision should also be checked if they drive in low light conditions.
  • Flexibility and physical activity testsWhile driving is not the most physically demanding activity, it does require some flexibility and reasonably good health. Your relative must be flexible enough to turn in their seat, move their head to look around their car, and manipulate the controls in the vehicle.
  • Chronic health condition checkups
    If your relative suffers from a degenerative condition like multiple sclerosis, it is important to regularly check how it is affecting their driving. They may reach a point where their condition makes it impossible to drive.
  • Medication side effects checks
    The doctor should also check if side effects from medication that your relative is taking is affecting their ability to drive. Some medications can cause drowsiness, mental confusion or dizziness that impact a person’s driving skills.

Have a professional assess your loved one’s driving skills

You can ask your relative to perform a driving test with a professional driving instructor every year.  This ensures that their vehicle handling skills are still good enough for them to be on the road.

Have a DMV reexamination performed

The DMV will perform a reexamination of a person’s ability to drive if it has been requested by a physician, family member, or emergency technician.  If you really want to make sure your relative is capable of driving well, a reexamination will confirm it.

Safe cars for seniors

Some vehicles are safer and easier to drive.  Some of the features to look for when buying a car for senior include:

  • Plenty of visibility
    Vehicles that have large windows are much easier to drive because of the additional visibility they provide. Look for cars that don’t have very slanted windows or wide pillars.
  • Air bags
    A vehicle with multiple air bags is much safer to drive in. If there is a crash, your relative is much less likely to suffer from a serious injury.
  • Highly adjustable seats
    Having highly adjustable seats helps a senior set the car up for their needs. In many cases, seniors find vehicles easier to drive if they can move their seat more forward and/or adjust the seat higher up.
  • Acceleration and brake pedals should be far apart
    There are many stories of seniors getting into an accident because they accidentally hit the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal. Reduce the risk of this happening by purchasing a vehicle with plenty of room between the accelerator and brake.
  • Keyless entry and ignition
    Conditions like osteoarthritis can make using handles and knobs difficult. Consider purchasing a vehicle with an automatic transmission, keyless entry, and keyless ignition.  They won’t be forced to constantly use a gear-stick and starting the car will be simple.

How All Heart Home Care can help

All Heart Home Care can help seniors safely drive their vehicle by providing a range of non-medical home care services including:

  • Transportation to doctor’s appointments and errands
  • Assistance with medications — helping a senior take medications and understand the side effects they might experience
  • Help with physical fitness routines

Our talented Caregivers can help around the home as well, preparing meals, performing general domestic duties, and keeping the home in order.

If you are interested in learning more about safety driving tips for seniors and All Heart Home Care’s services, contact us today at 619-736-4677 for a free in-home consultation.  We will discuss your parent’s capabilities and determine which services they may require.

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About the Author

Eric-Barth-CEO
Eric Barth | CEO

Eric is the CEO of All Heart Home Care, a local home care agency. He is the writer for All Heart Home Care’s blog page. He leads an award-winning home care agency by senioradvisor.com 5 years in a row. (2017 – 2021), as one of the top home care agencies in San Diego, CA

Rodrigo E.
Rodrigo E.
10/30/2024
Absolutely wonderful experience! The caregivers are not only skilled but also incredibly warm and engaging. They have built a fantastic rapport with m grandmother, and it gives me peace of mind to know she's being cared for so well.
Jackeline C.
Jackeline C.
10/15/2024
I can't say enough good things about the caregivers from this agency! They are professional, compassionate, and always go the extra mile for my mother. It's such a relief knowing she's in such capable hands!
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Fayrren L.
09/12/2023
From the first phone call to the last, the staff at All Heart Home Care radiates kindness. Their commitment to providing excellent care shines through in every interaction.
Marissa I
Marissa I
09/20/2022
Eric and his team at All Heart Home Care are so professional and experienced in proving quality home care. They're compassionate about caring for seniors and maintaining a heartfelt relationship with their clients. If my family is ever in need of home care, I know who to call without a second thought.
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Victor Maldonado
10/11/2024
The caregivers are truly amazing! Their professionalism and kindness have made a huge difference in my father's life. They treat him with respect and dignity, and I'm so grateful for their support. Highly recommend!
Jackeline Carolina Perez Martinez
Jackeline Carolina Perez Martinez
12/11/2024
I can't say enough good things about the caregivers from this agency! They are professional, compassionate, and always go the extra mile for my mother. It's such a relief knowing she's in such capable hands!
Sarah Markovich
Sarah Markovich
30/07/2023
My grandparents live in La Jolla and are very thrilled with all the amazing services All Heart Home Care is providing them. They both have mobility issues, and their caregiver makes sure to assist both with everything they need. My grandmother is not steady on her feet anymore and kept falling last year that is why we reached out to All Heart Home Care. They have been a great help to us.
Linda Smith
Linda Smith
23/09/2023
Finding the perfect home care services for my elderly father was one of the most important decisions our family ever had to make. Our father is an honorable veteran who proudly served our country for over 40 years. After our mother passed away my two brothers and I decided we needed extra support for dad. He suffers from early stages of dementia and we felt strongly that it would be better and mentally healthier for dad to stay at his home in Coronado.
Susan Y.
Susan Y.
01/26/2024
I have used San Diego Home Caregivers for several years for my 93 year old mom. They have been great all along the way. Nothing is perfect in life but SDHCG does the most they can to give you the best possible service and listen to any suggestion or concern that may arise. They give 110 %. Shout out to owner Sterling Miles. Thanks Sterling to you and your staff for everything you do. SDHCG should be your first trusted choice for in home care.
Karen K.
Karen K.
06/26/2023
San Diego Home Caregivers provided care for my 95 mom for 2 yrs as she declined in terms of mobility and cognitive function. She was not an easy person to care for and SDCG found a caregiver that could and did work with my mom until she passed away. Mom was kept safe, well fed, entertained with activities she enjoyed, trips out in the community. The caregiver also coordinated moms doctor appointments and made sure she got there safely. I highly recommend this caregiver agency.
R. B.
R. B.
01/12/2023
I highly highly recommend San Diego Home Caregivers. They provided care for my 90 year old fall risk father with Parkinson's and an indwelling catheter. I have used several home Caregiver companies and they are the absolute best. The company is very well run by their amazing owner, Sterling, and the administrative staff.
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