Elderly Care in Monroeville PA
Many seniors, even those receiving in-home care, don’t want to give up their independence. This is exactly what some of them think they are giving up when they are no longer able to drive. The ability to drive depends on many factors including how well seniors can see and how well they hear. For seniors who want to continue driving, they need to take good care of their vision and hearing.
Maintaining Vision
Obviously one of the most important senses that needs the stay sharp in order to drive safely is sight. This is why it is crucial for seniors to keep with up routine eye exams. For seniors who are not yet 60, they should have their eyes checked every one to two years or as recommended by their eye doctor. However, if they wear glasses, they should be seen once a year or as recommended. For seniors over the age of 60, they should have an annual eye exam.
Some eye care professionals also recommend that people over the age of 40 should have a comprehensive eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist. These eye doctors have special training when it comes to diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye. Some age-related eye diseases have no symptoms which is why it is important for seniors to see an ophthalmologist. Seniors who take good care of their eyes and ensure they have optimum vision will have an increased chance of being able to drive longer, barring any other physical limitations.
More precautions to keep in mind when it comes to vision and driving include:
- For seniors who have trouble seeing at night, only drive during the day
- Keep mirrors, windows, and headlights clean
- Increase the brightness on the instrument panel
Maintaining Hearing
When it comes to driving, besides the importance of being able to see, it’s important that seniors can hear well. Some hearing professionals recommend that seniors should get their hearing checked once a year. Because people can usually hear something coming before they see it, good hearing is crucial for good driving. If there are sirens blaring, people on the road tend to hear them first which alerts them to pull over to the side of the road and get out of the way. Sometimes drivers will honk if another vehicle is getting too close or they are cutting into their lane.
Hearing loss is not uncommon for older adults. If a family caregiver is constantly having to repeat themselves to a senior during communication, this might be a sign they need to get their hearing checked. For seniors who still want to drive and who have experienced hearing loss, there are many types of hearing aids and other devices that can help them have optimum hearing.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Monroeville, PA, please call and talk to the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Pittsburgh at (412) 693-6009. We will answer all of your questions.
Source
http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/preparing.htm
http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/132
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