With all the free spirited Baby Boomers aging, it might be hard for them to think of giving up a big part of their vehicles of freedom – the car keys. As such, we must ask a question. Is it safe for seniors to drive in Brooklyn?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the past 10 years has seen changes. There has been about a 20% increase in licensed drivers over 65 years old on the road. As their children see more and more physical signs for concern and feel awkward about broaching the subject with their aging parents, a new area of expertise has come on the scene – Driving Rehabilitation Specialists. These are occupational therapists that specialize in assessing and even correcting some of the problems seniors may experience as their driving skills age with them.
Concerns About Driving in Brooklyn
It’s all about keeping everyone safe. According to the AAA, the highest fatal car accidents occur in two distinct age groups – teenagers and those 75 and older. However, while teenagers are more of danger to others, senior citizen drivers are more of a danger to themselves. Obviously, they are more fragile and don’t bounce back from injuries well at all.
Gauge Safety To Continue Driving
On the other hand, up until the age of 65, the accident rates of older adults mirror those who are middle aged. Various safeguards are useful in order to ensure that this younger senior citizen group is driving safely for as long as possible. To assess if it’s safe for seniors to drive, organizations such as AAA & AARP have online screening assessment questionnaires. After that, you might want to get an ‘on-the-road’ driving assessment. These can be scheduled through a rehabilitation center or driving school. Finally, you can call a driving rehabilitation specialist. They look for things like flexibility, reflexes and range of motion in the neck and shoulders. This option can be pricey. They can range anywhere from $200 – $1,000 depending on the state and the depth of analysis and instruction involved. The American Occupational Therapy Society can help you locate someone in your zip code.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Can Help Seniors in Brooklyn
David York Home Healthcare Agency is very in tune with the quality of life issues pertaining to the elderly. Our home health aides are keenly aware of the needs and issues of senior citizens as their skills decline.
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Brooklyn that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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