Stiff joints are something that you might not realize could be a deciding factor in whether your elderly family member can keep driving or not. They’re definitely painful, but at some point those stiff joints can seriously limit her mobility and even leave her unable to handle the car as she has in the past.
Talk to Her Doctor First.
Any time that your senior experiences changes or worsening in terms of pain, especially with her joints or her muscles, it’s important to open a dialogue with her doctor. There’s a lot that could be happening, whether it’s an existing condition that’s worsening or a new problem. Talking with her doctor can help you to narrow down what the underlying issue is and whether there’s much that you can do.
Car Modifications Can Help.
Most people don’t realize just how many different modifications are available for cars these days. You can add hand controls that operate the pedals, for instance. You can also add mirrors and extensions that help her to see when her ability to turn to look over her shoulder is limited. Look into what options are available to see which ones might work best.
Physical Activity Can Also Help.
Modifying the car is something that can help your senior right away. Increasing her levels of physical activity can help her in the long run. Her doctor can help her to put an exercise plan together, but she’ll need to stick with it. Improvements don’t happen overnight, but gradually your senior will feel stronger and more flexible than she has been feeling.
It’s Not a Bad Thing if She Needs to Stop Driving.
In some cases, your senior may not be able to continue to keep driving. While that might feel devastating to your elderly family member when she first hears the idea, it can actually help her to be more mobile than she was in the past. Senior care providers are an excellent substitute driver for her because they can help her in other ways besides driving her wherever she needs to go.
Regular assessments of your senior’s driving and, more importantly how she feels behind the wheel, can help you to work together to keep her safer. Let your senior know that you’re not trying to keep her from driving. You’re merely trying to ensure that she’s safe and still able to go where she needs to go.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Gainesville, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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