Tools and Technology Your Parent Can Use to Increase Driving Safety and Independence 

Independence is an important concept for everyone, and that does not change with age. In fact, as a family caregiver it is critical that you recognize your parent's ongoing need for independence and autonomy and take as many steps as you can to support this expression as they age in place. Being able to express their independence and feel in control of their life helps to keep your parent's mental and emotional health high, ease stress and anxiety, support motivation, and keep your relationship meaningful and valuable for both of you. 

One valuable way that you can do this is by encouraging increased independence and safety with driving. Many elderly adults are still able to drive independently, if on a reduced rate. There are many ways that you can help your parent maintain this safety and independence, including tools and technology. 

Some tools and technology that your parent can use to increase driving safety and independence include:

• GPS. A GPS system can give your parent greater confidence and help them to stay safer by preventing them from getting lost. Look for systems that utilize your parent's mobile device or attach to their dashboard for easier use. Teach them to use this system so that they will feel secure utilizing it while driving.
• Steering modifications. If your parent struggles with upper body strength or flexibility and control in their hands, look into steering modifications for their vehicle. These allow the vehicle to be steered more easily for better control of the vehicle and less strain on your parent's body.
• Pull string on the seat belt. Wearing a seat belt is extremely important to safety for everyone in a vehicle, but it can be difficult for a senior who struggles with range of motion to put this belt into place. Adding a ribbon to the belt makes it easy for your parent to grab and move the belt without twisting.
• Swiveling seat. Another modification that can be made to the vehicle itself, a swiveling seat can be extremely helpful for a senior who has mobility or range of motion issues. This seat turns out so that your parent can sit down and then swivel into place rather than trying to climb into place.

In the course of your caregiver journey with your aging parent you will make a wide variety of important decisions. One of the most important that you will make is how to ensure that your parent's needs are met effectively and efficiently. Fortunately elder care can make this decision much simpler. An elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that their needs are met in the way that is right for them while also keeping you at the forefront of their care routine. This care provider can fill care gaps, be with your parent when your schedule keeps you from being with them as often as you would like, handle tasks that you are not able to or are uncomfortable handling, and boost their social interaction and emotional health with companionship and support. 

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/older_adult_drivers/index.html
https://www.aota.org/Conference-Events/Older-Driver-Safety-Awareness-Week.aspx

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME ELDER CARE IN DEARBORN PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.