There is no need to prevent the seniors in your life from driving just because they are getting older. Seniors will always appreciate independence, being active, and maintaining close ties with loved ones, even when living at an Austin assisted living facility. These are some of the benefits that come with senior driving. But despite all this, it is important to keep an eye on the signs that show the senior in your life shouldn’t be driving anymore.
Deterioration in vision, cognitive abilities, and reflexes may slow down the elderly. When this happens, senior driving can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the signs, which include:
1. Frequent Accidents and Tickets
Accidents do happen to people of all ages. It is not certain that all the accidents caused by an elderly person are because they are old. But when you notice an increased frequency in accidents or tickets issued to your senior, it may be a red flag.
When this happens, consider looking closely at the nature of accidents caused. The vast majority of accidents and traffic infractions are entirely avoidable. You should be concerned if the senior in your life’s driving has suddenly deteriorated.
2. Many Dents on the Car
There are many elderly people who continue to drive even though they realize it’s a bad idea. Because of this, the seniors may hide or conceal the dents or damages that the vehicle incurs when they are driving.
It is critical to keep a close eye on vehicles driven by seniors. Look at them thoroughly for any strange dings or scuffs on the surface. Also, check the senior’s body for any bruises or bumps, it could be a clue that they’ve been in an accident.
3. Deteriorating Vision or Hearing Capabilities
When it comes to safe driving, both vision and hearing are critical components to successful driving. If the senior in your life needs spectacles or hearing aids to see or hear clearly, they can continue to drive as long as they are worn at all times.
But when you notice that a senior is refusing to wear their corrective devices, it is a sign that they shouldn’t be driving anymore. Poor vision may lead to misestimation of distances, which will increase the chances of getting into an accident.
4. Reduced Driving Speeds
When you notice that the senior in your life is driving slower than usual, this may be a sign that they are struggling to handle the entire driving process. This can be easily noticed when the senior delays reacting to certain obvious circumstances. Even more dangerous is when they drive at slow speeds in critical traffic areas.
Slow driving can also be a warning indicator or a possible hazard, depending on the circumstances. There is a fine line between driving too fast and too slow, and both are risky if not responsibly managed.
What You Should Do
If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, don’t wait. Act immediately, but be very considerate while doing it. If you are not in a position or do not have the skills to do it, consider hiring an expert to help you convince the senior to stop driving such as a mediator at an Austin Assisted Living facility. Alternatively, you can introduce other options for transportation such as Austin Assisted Living facility that offers transportation and have them choose whichever they will be comfortable with.
Assisted Living Facilities in Austin, Texas
If your loved one is in need of more care than they are getting at a senior independent living facility in Austin, Tx, it may be time to think about an Austin Assisted living home such as Ruby’s Home. At Ruby’s Home, we provide as much care as your loved one needs, and can add on new levels of care as they are needed at our 2 Austin Assisted Living locations. We believe in the concept of aging in place, and want your loved one to be able to age gracefully in a place that feels like they never left home all while they receive the level of care they need from assisted living.