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. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the past 10 years has seen about a 20% increase in licensed drivers over 65 years old. There are driving risks associated with every age group, but is there such a thing as too old to drive?
Concerned About Seniors Driving In Springfield
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. Driving skills age as seniors age. These are occupational therapists that specialize in assessing and even correcting some of the problems seniors may experience.
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. They are more fragile and don’t bounce back from injuries well at all.
Assess Safety, Find Help
On the other hand, up until the age of 65, the accident rates of older adults mirror those who are middle aged. There are various safeguards to ensure that this younger senior citizen group is driving safely for as long as possible. Organizations such as AAA & AARP have online screening assessment questionnaires. After that, you might want to get an ‘on-the-road’ driving assessment. You can schedule these through a rehabilitation center or driving school.
Finally, driving rehabilitation specialists can be called. 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 Can Help
At David York Home Healthcare Agency, we are 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 in Springfield as their skills decline.
David York Agency provides skilled home health aides for the elderly and ill. We provide skilled home health aide services for home healthcare. We could assist you in mapping out and managing the total care of your senior loved one. Please call us at 908.373.5300 or browse our website to become acquainted with all we offer. Please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
