Alzheimer's Care in Ocoee FL

Driving is always a big concern for aging adults as they grow older. Add in a health issue like dementia, however, and it becomes a much bigger topic. Family caregivers may worry that seniors should give up driving right away in order to be as safe as possible. That doesn’t mean seniors agree, however. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families to have the support they need when working through this touchy situation.

Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Cognitive Changes

Any type of cognitive illness, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, brings with it a variety of different types of cognitive changes. Seniors may find that they’re having more trouble with daily tasks in general. This is true even with tasks that they’ve handled on their own for years. Each senior’s experience with dementia is different and ultimately there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to driving.

Signs Driving Is Unsafe

Determining when it’s no longer safe for someone with dementia to drive involves looking at all sorts of symptoms. Seniors may experience changes in their vision or how they perceive the world around them. They could also start to have physical limitations, like decreased flexibility or strength. Some of the biggest reasons for seniors with dementia to stop driving can include severe memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty making decisions.

Having the Conversation About Driving

Talking about giving up driving is something that family caregivers may want to approach carefully. Choosing the time properly makes a big difference, because choosing a time when everyone is already uncomfortable is not going to help. Family caregivers need to listen and validate feelings for the person with dementia. Even if it’s obvious that someone else needs to do the driving, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy fact to accept just yet.

Supporting Seniors Through the Transition

It helps a lot for family caregivers to find ways to support the seniors they love through this transition. Home care providers can do a lot to fill these gaps and ensure that seniors have the transportation they need. It might also help to make some ground rules about when seniors with dementia can still drive, like only during certain times of the day or only in certain locations. Compromising can make it easier.

Putting Other Supports in Place

Dementia can feel scary, especially when seniors are not sure when they’re going to experience bigger cognitive changes. Having the support they need from family caregivers and Alzheimer’s care services can offer structure and assistance when seniors are feeling unsure. Knowing that seniors have alternative transportation options when they need them can be a huge relief for everyone involved.

Driving is a complicated activity that at some point is going to be much too difficult for seniors with dementia. Alzheimer’s care providers can be there to help aging adults adjust to no longer driving and support them with other tasks as needed. Approaching the topic proactively and compassionately allows seniors with dementia to maintain independence while also staying safe.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Ocoee, FL, please contact the caring staff at Homewatch CareGivers of Winter Garden today! (689) 267-3005

Homewatch CareGivers of Winter Garden provides exceptional home care for seniors in Winter Garden, Winter Park, Ocoee, Apopka, Lake Mary, Longwood, Maitland, Casselberry, Celebration, Windermere, and surrounding areas.