An Introduction to Senior Heart Health

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It probably goes without saying that the heart is an essential part of the body. And since February is American Heart Month, we thought we’d write a series about heart health in seniors.

Just as the heart is an essential part of the body, so too is taking proper care of your heart an essential part of maintaining good health. Throughout this series, we will cover a wide number of issues concerning heart health, from basic facts about heart health, to an outline of cardiovascular diseases, to how we can control our cardiovascular health.

For today, we’ll be focusing on some basic facts about heart health. Take a look below:

The facts

Risk factors associated with heart disease

  • The risk factors associated with heart disease vary. As the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics notes, heart disease can be hereditary. As such, there is an increase in the risk of heart attack if a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) has had a heart attack or stroke. The CDC also notes that race and ethnicity may also affect your risk.
  • Aside from these factors, health habits can present a major issue if neglected. Here are several other health risk factors associated with heart disease:
    • Smoking
    • Sedentary lifestyle
    • Obesity
    • Poor diet choices that may result in high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes

    Heart health can be improved

    Fortunately, heart health can be improved. With the proper steps, heart disease can be potentially reversible, though it is better to try your best to prevent heart disease from occurring. All in all, this requires thoughtful planning, such as attending to cholesterol, blood pressure, dietary habits, etc., all of which we will discuss later on in this series.

    Maintaining proper heart health is extremely important to ensuring the best quality of life possible for you, as well as your aging loved ones. On Wednesday, we will outline several aspects of cardiovascular disease, including its causes and effects. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.

    Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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    “Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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Dealing with the Loss of a Close Friend or Loved One

 

 

Dealing with the Loss of a Close Friend or Loved One

Throughout this series, we’ve discussed various aspects of loss, from a basic understanding of elderly loss, to how you can help your aging loved one cope with loss.

As we age, the loss of a partner or trusted friend can be devastating, especially as our close circle of friends becomes smaller. In turn, our outlook on life can change drastically, possibly even leading to elderly depression.

But there are many ways to help you cope with the loss of a loved one. Not only is coping an important part of maintaining your well being, it also helps you retain fond memories of your partner or friend’s passing, rather than a bitter reminder of their end.

To help you as a caregiver, here are just a few ways you (or your aging parent) can cope with the loss of a close friend or loved one:

Grieving is perfectly okay.

You should never feel ashamed to grieve the passing of someone who has been dear in your life as grieving can be an important accepting your loss. Doing so may help to relieve any built up tension that can drastically affect your health.

Honor their passing.

Do not be afraid to tell stories about the fond memories you’ve gained over the years from time spent with them. This may help to relieve the tension of this difficult stage in your life by allowing you to see past their unfortunate passing.

Stay connected.

It is also important to stay connected with the friends and family that you still have around. More often than not, these people have been affected by the passing as well “whether from seeing the pain you have, or from knowing the person who has passed. Mutual support can help you get over this difficult time as well as show that you still have many loved ones surrounding you.

Get out of the house.

Keeping yourself occupied is another important step for dealing with loss. For some that means simply going out with friends and family, while others may wish to help the less fortunate through volunteering or community service.

While it may be difficult to cope with the loss of a person that has been so dear in your life, coping is an important part of ensuring that your own well being is taken into consideration, as well as preserving memories you’ve made over the years with those who have passed.

As always, if you or your loved one have any questions or concerns about the information we’ve outlined in our series, please do not hesitate to call. We’re always here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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Helping Your Aging Loved One Cope with Loss

 

 

Helping your Aging Loved One Cope with Loss

On Monday, we opened our series on dealing with the loss of a loved one or close friend by discussing some of the basics of loss for your aging parents.

As we’ve mentioned, losing a trusted partner or friend can be difficult for anyone. However, this is especially difficult for our aging parents as their close circle of friends begin to narrow, reminding them of their own mortality as well. In turn, this can drastically change your aging loved ones outlook on life and may lead to elderly depression.

As such, it is important to have an understanding of how to help your parent cope, which helps to ensure that they will continue to maintain their well being and health as they age.

To help, here are just a few ways you can help your aging loved one cope with loss:

Don’t bring up age.

The last thing you want to do is to bring up a passing friends age, as this can often intensify your parents feeling of their mortality.

Instead, try to take the situation and consider it from your own point of view. How would you feel if a close friend or loved one passed? Chances are, you will have similar feelings, so avoid telling them that what is going on is an inevitable part of their phase in life. Don’t tell them that they should just accept it for what it is, because you don’t want them to feel like they’re next.

Offer some help.

Show your support by offering them a hand during their time of grief. Perhaps you can help them send flowers or condolences to their friend’s family, or even offer to take them to the funeral. Showing your parent that you are there will hopefully relieve the tension of loss.

Ask about their friend.

Depending on how they respond to their friends passing, some parents might ease the tension by talking about the memories they had with their friend. If your loved one does this, do your best to be as attentive as possible. You may even ask questions about their friend and show that you are genuinely interested. Close friends can make a lasting impact on anyone, so it is only natural that your parent would want to praise their friend for everything they’ve done for them.

Loss can be hard, but with a little help, your loved one may be able to heal faster, possibly preventing any chance of developing elderly depression all of which helps to ensure that they will continue to maintain their well being and health as they age.

On Friday, we’re going to discuss several ways your aging loved can help themselves deal with the loss of a close friend/loved one. As always, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your loved one, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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An Intro to Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One or Close Friend

 

 

An Intro to Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One or Close Friend

Loss comes in many forms. As we age, losses in our lives become greater and greater, from loss of youth, to loss of independence, to loss of mental and physical capacities.

Aside from these kinds of loss, we also have to think of another kind of loss, which affects more than just our own lives ”and that is the loss of close and dear friend or loved one.

This can often be the most difficult thing an aging person has deal with. Not only is it a painful experience to lose a trusted partner or friend, it also serves as a reminder to your loved ones of their own mortality, which can already be a big concern for them.

Throughout this series, we’re going to focus on dealing with the loss of a loved one or close friend, from how to help your aging loved one cope with the loss, to how they can help themselves.

For today, we’re going to start with a few key points that you should consider when helping an aging loved one dealing with loss. Take a look below:

Loss doesn’t necessarily mean death

While death is certainly the most painful way to lose a loved one or close friend, it is not the only way your parent can experience loss.

It probably goes without saying that as your parent ages, so do their close friends. And, as their friends age, they may also experience the loss of independence, leading them to move to a senior care facility or to the home of their own children–possibly out of state or far away from where they once lived.

Though not as extreme as death, this kind of change can certainly cause your loved one a lot of grief. Not only will they not be able to see their friends as often as before, but it also reminds them of the possibility that they may be in the same situation as their friend, so please be aware of this kind of loss as well.

Loss can come in waves

As we age, the risk of loss is not only greater–it may also come in waves. In some instances, your parent may find themselves at multiple funerals only a few months, possibly weeks apart from one another and then have a long gap in between. Such sudden and erratic changes can be quite overwhelming for your loved one and may result in elderly depression. As such, it is important to make sure that your loved one is adequately taken care in such time of need.

Understanding the basics of loss for your aging parents is essential to knowing how to help them through the process.

On Wednesday, we’re going to discuss ways you can help your aging loved one cope with loss. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give us a call. We are always here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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How to Approach Your Aging Loved Ones about When They Should Stop Driving

 

 

How to Approach Your Aging Loved Ones about When They Should Stop Driving

Throughout this series we’ve talked about a wide number of issues that deal with senior driving, from statistics concerning elderly drivers, how age affects your driving, and how to maintain your independence and stay safe on the road, to how to determine when your aging loved one is no longer fit to drive and the alternatives/benefits of not driving.

As we’ve discussed, driving is a huge milestone in most people’s lives and has become synonymous with freedom, mobility, independence and adulthood, which is why it should come as no surprise that most people would be reluctant to give up their keys.

Still, as we age, driving can become difficult if not dangerous, which is why in some instances it may be necessary to speak with your parent about hanging up the keys.

Today, we’re going to talk about how to approach your aging loved ones about when they should stop driving. Take a look below:

Consider their point of view

As we mentioned above, driving is an important part of ones independence and mobility. So when speaking to your parent about no longer driving, try to put yourself in their shoes; consider how hard it would be for you to get around doing everyday tasks without a car. Or, as geriatric researcher Elizabeth Dugan discusses in her book The Driving Dilemma, you could even consider giving up driving yourself, in order to get that first-hand experience of what it is like without a car. But, regardless of your approach, always consider your loved ones point of view.

Give them their options

Before approaching your loved one, it’s a good idea to have a list of options and alternatives to driving in order to help to show them how easy it can be to transition to life without a car.

You should consider putting together a list of pros and cons, highlighting the number of benefits, which we listed earlier, in order to give them a better idea of what is possible even without a car.

Help with the transition

It is also important that you help your loved one with the transition as much as possible. You can do so by helping them plan out bus routes, putting together a timetable of the shuttle/bus schedules, providing them with all the necessary phone numbers, etc.

Talking about driving can be a difficult discussion to have, but by showing your support through the process, you will help to ensure that your loved ones feel like they’e made the right choice in hanging up their car keys, as well as give yourself peace of mind.

As always, if you have any questions about any of the information we’ve outlined above, please feel free to give us a call. We’d love to help you every step of the way.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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Driving Alternatives, and Benefits of Not Driving, for Seniors

 

 

Driving Alternatives, and Benefits of Not Driving, for Seniors

On Monday, we gave you a few tips on how to determine when your aging loved one is no longer fit to drive.

As statistics show, there are many older adults involved in motor vehicle accidents; according to the CDC, a daily average of 15 were killed and 500 injured in crashes in 2008 alone.

However, asking your parent to give up the independence that comes with driving can be extremely difficult for both you and them. So, to make things much easier, we’re going to give you several driving alternatives as well as the benefits of not driving. Take a look below:

Driving alternatives

There are a wide variety of transportation alternatives that will allow your loved one to maintain their independence even if they can’t drive. Below, we’ve outlined just a few:

  • Public transportation. Most major cities have an extensive public transportation system that allows people to get around with little to no trouble at all, such as the train/rail system or bus system. In addition, public transportation costs for seniors are usually reduced, making it a great alternative for your wallet as well.
  • Carpooling. Your loved one may also consider carpooling. This is a great way to keep in touch with friends, family and neighbors who are more than willing to lend a helping hand and some good company.
  • Shuttle service. Shuttle services may also be available in local communities, especially among senior-friendly places, such as senior homes, doctor’s offices, place of worship, or community centers.
  • Taxis/private drivers. Taxis are often fast and convenient and can offer your loved one privacy, unlike other alternatives. You may also hire a professional chauffeur who is scheduled to take your loved one around during the day allowing for consistency and a personal touch.
  • Walking/cycling. If your loved one lives in an area that is short distance to where they need to go (e.g. grocery store, community center, place of worship), they may also consider walking or cycling, which is a great and healthy alternative to driving. Just make sure to consult your parent’s doctor to make sure they are fit enough to go such a distance.

Benefits of not driving

Reduced expenses. Depending on how often your loved one drives, trading in your car can help to reduce a number of monthly expenses, such as insurance, gasoline, car payments, up-keep, storage fees, etc.

Exercising instead of driving. As we mentioned above, trading in your loved ones wheels can help motivate them to exercise, which is a great way to improve their health mentally and physically, maintain their independence, and give them a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Check back on Friday when we wrap up series with a post on how to approach your parents about no longer driving. And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your loved one, please feel free to give us a call. We’d love to help you.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

 

 

When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

Last week, we began our series on senior driving with a discussion on statistics concerning elderly drivers, how age affects your driving, and how to maintain your independence and stay safe on the road.

As we’ve mentioned, concern over our aging loved ones getting behind the wheel is certainly a legitimate one. However, because age affects us in many different ways, sometimes it’s not altogether clear how to determine when your aging loved one is no longer fit for driving based on age alone.

To help you gain a better understanding of the matter, we’re going to outline a few instances that may indicate that it is time for your aging loved one to stop driving.

Before driving

As we mentioned in our section about how age affects your driving, there are many physical and mental impairments that may conflict with your ability to drive. Thats why it’s important to have your loved one check with their doctor annually to make sure they’re fit to drive.

Here are a few things you should look for (adapted from helpguide.org):

  • Conflicting medications. Certain medications or combinations of medications can affect a number of things such as reflexes, senses, vision, or causing fatigue, making it difficult to drive. Ask your parent’s doctor to go through all medications with you and your loved one.
  • Vision/Hearing problems. Although there have been major advancements in hearing aids, sometimes that is not enough. Depending on the severity of their vision/hearing problems, your parent’s doctor may suggest that they stop driving.
  • Problems with reflexes and range of motion. Your parent’s doctor may also find that the constant movement (i.e. pressing on pedals, turning the wheel, looking back and forth, etc.) required to efficiently drive a car may be too much for your parent’s physical health.

While driving

Outside of what your parent’s doctor can tell you, there are other telltale signs that it’s time for your loved one to stop driving. Here are just a few:

  • Getting lost frequently or missing scheduled appointments, especially on familiar routes.
  • Increased traffic violations due to swerving in and out of lanes, missing stop signs, not reading road signs, or running through traffic lights.
  • Finding dings or scrapes on the car, as well as on fences, mailbox, garage doors, curbs, or marks in the yard.
  • Increase in flat tires.
  • Increased anxiety while driving or frequent experiences of road rage/honking from other drivers.
  • Frequent and sudden stops while driving or confusing the gas and brake pedal.
  • Frequent close calls or any other accidents

On Wednesday, we’ll discuss various alternatives to driving, as well as the benefits of not driving. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your loved one, please feel free to give us a call. We’d love to help you.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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How to Maintain Independence and Stay Safe on the Road

 

 

How to Maintain Independence and Stay Safe on the Road

Throughout this week, we’ve covered several important points regarding senior driving, from statistics that show the rise of elderly drivers on the road and accidents involving senior drivers, to how age can affect your driving.

As we’ve mentioned, the concern for our aging loved ones behind the wheel is certainly a legitimate one, with more 5,500 older adults killed and more than 183,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2008 alone.

However, age affects us in many different ways. In some instances, one person may be unfit to drive by the age of 65, while others can possibly drive beyond that. That’s why it’s important to be aware of your state of health and limitations, which is what we covered earlier.

Now that you have a better understanding of how age affects driving, we’re going to talk about ways to continue to maintain your independence as you age.

Exercise regularly.

All in all, exercise is a wonderful way to maintain your independence, and increase your quality of life.

In regards to driving, strength exercises such as lifting weights can help with getting in and out of cars, as well as turning the steering wheel, whereas flexibility exercises like yoga help you move your legs on the pedals, or turn your head in all directions to see your surroundings.

For more, see our series on The Benefits of Exercise.

Check your medications.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor to go over all of your medications in order to see which ones cause side effects (e.g. drowsiness) that may affect your driving.

Check your hearing/vision.

Checking your hearing and vision annually helps to improve/maintain your ability to be aware of your surroundings.

Maintain a good sleep schedule.

Lack of sleep and fatigue affect our ability to concentrate, as well as our strength. Maintaining a good sleep schedule can help prevent drowsiness, which is very dangerous on the road.

Limit driving to the daytime/good weather conditions.

It can be extremely difficult to drive during the nighttime or in bad weather conditions. So, it is best to avoid driving in these situations unless absolutely necessary.

Plan ahead.

Always figure out the best route to your desired destination before getting behind the wheel. It is also best to avoid heavy traffic, which often occurs during the early morning (7-8 AM) and mid afternoon (5-6 PM) when people are heading to/leaving from work.

Limit distractions in your car.

Driving can be difficult when we are distracted. To avoid this, prevent distractions such as listening to a loud radio, talking on your phone, texting, eating, or searching for items in your bag or back seat.

Driving in old age can be difficult, but is not altogether impossible. By taking the proper steps to maintain your health and ensure your safety, you can help to maintain your independence for many years to come.

Throughout all of next week, we will discuss issue of figuring out when driving is no longer safe, and how to address such an issue. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about the information we’ve discussed above, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help!

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get you free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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Senior Driving: Understanding How Age Affects Driving

 

 

Senior Driving-- Understanding How Age Affects Driving

On Monday, we gave you an introduction to senior driving, discussing statistics such as the rise in elderly drivers and the number of motor vehicle accidents involving seniors.

As we mentioned, statistics like these raise concern over whether or not certain measures should be taken to help ensure the safety of our loved ones who wish to drive in their old age.

However, there are steps that older adults can take to maintain their independence.

One such step has to do with understanding how age affects driving. As we age, we may experience certain physical and mental impairments, which can drastically affect how we drive.

So today, we’re going to outline some of the impacts of aging that may cause certain physical and mental impairments, and how they can affect driving. Take a look below for a few tips adapted from HelpGuide.org:

Physical impairments

Pain or stiffness. Arthritis, body pains, and general stiffness in our joints can cause a lot of discomfort when it comes to doing everyday tasks, and this is can be especially true when we get behind the wheel of a car.

As a result, doing certain tasks necessary for driving can prove to be rather difficult. Here are just a few activities affected by pain or stiffness:

  • Extending our legs to step on the gas pedal or brake,
  • Turning around to look for oncoming vehicles on all sides of the car.
  • Turning the steering wheel
  • Sitting in one spot for a long period of time

Vision. Vision, of course, is also another important element of driving. As we age, our vision can be impaired due to a wide variety of eye diseases and disorders, making it difficult for us do things such as properly read road signs, traffic signals, construction/detour warnings, as well as see other traffic and pedestrians. This in turn increases the risk of injury, not only for our aging parents, but for others on the road as well.

Body strength. Similar to body pain/stiffness, body strength can also be a factor that can affect the way we drive. As we age, muscle mass can significantly decrease, making it difficulty to perform certain tasks such as lifting ourselves into larger vehicles like SUVs, or fully turning the steering wheel quickly and effectively at sharp turns.

Mental impairments

Memory loss/difficulty concentrating. Mental health can also be affected by age, leading to impairments such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating.

In turn, we may experience difficulty remembering the directions of familiar routes, decreased awareness of our surroundings, or slower reaction time in emergency situations, all of which can increase the risk of injury.

How we age can certainly affects the way we drive, which is why it is important to understand all elements of the aging process. On Friday, we will continue our discussion on senior driving by outlining ways to maintain independence. As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your loved one, please feel free to give us a call. We’d love to help you.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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An Introduction to Senior Driving

 

 

An Introduction to Senior Driving

For many, driving is a rite of passage to adulthood and more often than not, the beginning of ones independence.

As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many people would feel reluctant to turn over their keys simply because they’ve gotten older.

Still, the concern over when it becomes unsafe to drive is one that worries many families of the loved ones who continue to get behind the wheel in their old age.

Throughout this week, we’ll discuss a wide variety of topics related to senior driving, from the rising number of senior drivers, to how age affects driving, maintaining your independence, and more.

For today, we’ll start with some basic facts in regards to senior driving. Take a look below:

The rise in elderly drivers

In recent years, the number of elderly drivers has steadily risen. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 33 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in the U.S, which is a 23% increase from 1999.

And this number is only expected to explode in the coming years.

With Baby Boomers making their way into retirement, it is projected that by 2030, 85% to 90% of the 70 million Americans older than 65 will have driver’s licenses, according to auto insurer AAA.

Accidents do happen

In 2008, more than 5,500 older adults were killed, and more than 183,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes. According to the CDC, this amounts to 15 older adults killed and 500 injured in crashes on average every day.

Statistics like these raise concern over whether or not certain measures should be taken to help ensure the safety of our loved ones who wish to drive in their old age.

In more recent news, the unfortunate passing of 88-year-old Lorraine McKaig may also serve as a reminder that accidents can and do occur to senior drivers; McKaig had crashed into a fence while driving to her destination. And, although the report notes that the official cause of death was from heart disease, it does bring into question whether or not McKaig was well enough to drive in the first place.

There are steps that older adults can take to maintain their independence

While the risk of injury does increase as you age, there are still ways to help you maintain your ability to drive and thus your independence, such as taking the proper steps to ensure that you are in good health, both physically and mentally.

As Jim Bassett, a senior who continues to drive at the age of 72, says, “Driving, to me, is an individual thing. There’s people in their 80s who are quite capable, and there’s people in their 40s I don’t think should drive. If you’re capable, I could see no reason why you should give up your driving.”

On Wednesday, we will outline how age affects your ability to drive. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about the information we’ve discussed above, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help!

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.firstcareco.wpengine.com.”

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