Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition of the lungs that affects both children and adults. An asthma attack occurs when the airways become inflamed after a person encounters certain substances or certain conditions, called “triggers.” Common triggers for asthma often include allergens that cause allergy symptoms.
If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, allergy-proofing your home and eliminating triggers can go a long way in helping your child manage their asthma symptoms and reducing the risk of having an asthma attack. How can you make your home safe for your child with asthma? First, it helps to understand what an asthma trigger is.
What Is an Asthma Trigger?
An asthma trigger is a substance or irritant that exacerbates asthma symptoms or that can essentially lead to an asthma attack. What triggers asthma for your child may not trigger asthma for someone else.
Some common asthma triggers found at home include:
Tobacco smoke
Pollen
Pollution
Fur and dander from pets
Mold
Dust and mites
Fragrances
The best way to create an asthma-safe environment for your child is to identify their triggers so that they can be eliminated from the home.
Avoid Using Scented Products
People diagnosed with asthma may be more sensitive to fragrances and may experience an allergic reaction that may lead to an asthma attack when around them. Any scented product, even “natural” products, can irritate the airways and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
As a precaution, consider going through all of the products that you use in your home and switching them to unscented and/or hypoallergenic products, including:
Cleaning products
Dish soap
Laundry detergent
Fabric softener
Candles (limit the use of or stop using scented candles)
Eliminate Tobacco Smoke From Your Home
Second-hand smoke can cause serious damage to the lungs and can worsen existing asthma symptoms. If you or someone in your family smokes, consider quitting and don’t let anyone smoke inside of your home.
Control Pests
Pests, especially mice, rats, and roaches, can produce allergens that can trigger an asthma attack. To avoid pests in your home:
Keep your home clean and dry
Never leave food laying out
Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or lying around
Sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors often
Take your trash out daily
Pick up your pet’s food and water at night
Clean Up After Your Pets
If you have pets, your child could be allergic to their dander, saliva, urine, or fur. But don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to get rid of your pet. You can take extra steps to reduce the risk of your child having an asthma attack, like:
Bathing your pets frequently (once a week)
Keeping pets outside of bedrooms and off of furniture
Using allergy-proof bedding
Vacuum frequently
If these steps do not help reduce asthma symptoms in your child, ask your doctor about allergy treatments that would allow your family to keep your pet. You can confirm a pet allergy by getting your child tested with their doctor.
Consider Buying an Air Filter
One step you can take to improve the air quality in your home is to purchase a HEPA air purifier for your child’s bedroom, playroom, or your entire house. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. This type of filter reduces the number of particles in the air and therefore reduces the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of asthma attacks. Be sure to change or clean the air filter frequently.
Consider Enlisting the Help of an In-Home Nurse
If you feel that you need help managing your child’s asthma symptoms at home, consider hiring an in-home nurse for home visits. In-home nurses can help you and your family manage your child’s asthma symptoms, accurately identify an asthma attack, and understand how to better asthma-proof your home. To learn more about home care services for children with asthma in New York City, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
The transition from pediatric care to adult care for children with special health care needs can seem overwhelming and complicated. According to the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, few young patients in the US, both with and without special health care needs, get support when it comes to transitioning from pediatric care to adult care.
If your child has special health care needs, how can you ensure that your child has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to transition to adult care?
Get an Early Start
The transition from pediatric care to adult care generally happens when the child is between the ages of 18 to 25, depending on their specific diagnosis and health care needs. However, in some cases, the process of planning for adult care can start as early as 12 years of age. If you’re unsure when you should start to work with your child to make the transition, ask your child’s doctor.
The first step in making sure that your child is ready to have more autonomy over their care is to ensure that they are knowledgeable about their diagnosis and their treatment. You can start teaching your child about their diagnosis and why they need to take treatment at an early age.
Assess Your Child’s Understanding of Their Diagnosis and Prognosis
Assessment tools, such as questionnaires, can help you and your child’s care team determine how ready your child is to transition to adult care in addition to how prepared they feel for self-managing their care. Ask your doctor about these assessments. They can help you find assessment resources as well as conduct these questionnaires with your child.
Coordinate with Your Child’s Current Team of Doctors
During the transition process, your biggest resource is your child’s current team of doctors. Consider bringing the following list of questions to your child’s doctor at their next appointment:
At what age should my child transition to an adult care physician?
What does my child need to learn about their condition and treatment in order to start gaining more responsibility and autonomy?
Are there any adult care doctors who you would recommend?
Will you please help me prepare a medical summary for my child?
Will you please help me develop an emergency care plan for my child?
Why Is it Important to Have a Transition Plan?
Early preparation for the transition to adult care can help:
Your child better adapt to a new team of doctors.
Reduce the risk of medical complications.
Prevent or eliminate redundancies in care.
Improve the rate of treatment adherence.
Lower the cost of healthcare.
Improve your child’s confidence in advocating for their health.
Consider Getting Help from an At-Home Nurse
JSP Home Care Services is a New York City-based agency dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to children and adults diagnosed with a chronic illness. We’re here for you and your child as they transition to adult care. To learn more about home care services for your child in New York City, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
According to the Administration on Aging (a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services), in 2020 roughly 14.7 million adults age 65 and older lived alone. Older adults are more likely to suffer from social isolation and loneliness because they’re also more likely to experience factors that contribute to social isolation and loneliness, like dealing with the loss of family and friends, managing a chronic illness, and living alone.
Being social is an important part of every adult’s life, especially as they get older. You’ve probably heard the benefits of staying physically active as you age. But did you know that maintaining an active social life also provides numerous health benefits? Below, we’ll outline why being socially active is so important for aging adults.
Promotes Greater Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Research shows that loneliness leads to a decrease in cognitive function and increases a person’s risk of developing dementia.1,2
Older adults who interact with their family, friends, and even strangers are more likely to experience fewer negative thoughts and to have a more positive mood.3 Older adults who participate in continuous social interaction are also more likely to experience fewer depressive symptoms.4
Socialization can also help protect older adults from cognitive decline. Studies show that older adults with high levels of social interaction are less likely to experience cognitive decline.5
Increases the Likelihood of Being Physically Active
Social activity, while not considered physical activity or exercise, tends to help people get up and move around and out of the house. A recent study links social activity to an increase in physical activity throughout the day, and less time sitting or lying around.
Reduces Stress
Researchers have seen that socializing increases levels of oxytocin, a hormone that decreases anxiety and calms stress responses.6 Oxytocin can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels (cortisol is known as the stress hormone). Socializing is an important part of reducing stress, and studies show that managing stress can help improve cardiovascular health and even improve how the immune system works.7,8
Increases Life Expectancy
Loneliness is proven to increase the risk of premature death, but numerous studies show that socialization and people with strong social connections may live longer.9 Additionally, one study shows that older adults who socialize with younger people may experience an increase in their life span, improved cognitive abilities, and improved cardiovascular health.10
What Are Some Ways That Older Adults Can Stay Social?
Volunteer at a community center
Join a club or group (like gardening, reading, or games)
Join a senior fitness center
Reach out to family
Hire an in-home caretaker
At JSP Home Care Services, we understand that life can feel lonely as you get older. That’s why we provide home health aide services to aging adults in New York City. Our certified home health aides provide compassionate home care assistance. Learn more about the services we offer to aging adults, here. To schedule a consultation with JSP Home Care Services, contact us online or call 866.860.2528
3. University of Texas at Austin. “Interacting with more people is shown to keep older adults more active.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 February 2019. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190220074610.htm.
6. Uvnas-Moberg K, Petersson M. Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing. Z Psychosom Med Psychother. 2005;51(1):57-80. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15834840/.
Caring for a child diagnosed with epilepsy or any seizure disorder can be challenging. One of the more challenging parts of caring for a child who has seizures is knowing what a seizure looks like and knowing what to do if you notice that your child is either about to have a seizure or is actively seizing. Below, we outline the warning signs of seizures and what to do if your child is having a seizure.
What is a seizure?
The brain is made up of billions of special cells called neurons. Neurons communicate with each other through electrical pulses to move our muscles/limbs, facilitate breathing, control our heart rate, and so much more. A seizure occurs when there are changes, more specifically a surge, in electrical activity in the brain.
There are many different types of seizure disorders. Seizures can occur in a specific area of one hemisphere (side) of the brain, called partial seizures, or in a more widespread area of the brain that involves both hemispheres, called general seizures.
What Are the Signs of a Seizure?
A seizure may be difficult to recognize in a child because the symptoms of a seizure won’t always include convulsions or other very noticeable signs. A seizure can either cause dramatic changes in a person’s behavior and/or movements, or none at all.
The specific signs or symptoms of a seizure will vary depending on the type of seizure. General warning signs or symptoms of a seizure include:
Staring or rapid eye blinking
Loss of consciousness
Change in breathing or stopping breathing
Unresponsiveness
Looking confused
Rhythmically nodding the head
Stiffening of the body
Jerking movements of the arms or legs
During the seizure, your child may foam at the mouth, their skin may turn blue, and their breathing may be abnormal.
We recommend that you record what you observe before and during a seizure. The Epilepsy Foundation offers valuable resources, like a seizure description form and tips for observing and recording seizures. This information can help your child’s doctor gain a better understanding of what might be causing your child’s seizures and in what part of the brain the seizure is happening.
What To Do if Your Child Has a Seizure
If you notice that your child is about to have a seizure or that they’re seizing, we recommend that you take the following steps:
Gently lay your child on the ground on their side (this helps prevent choking on saliva or vomit)
Move any nearby objects
Place a pillow or something soft underneath their head
Loosen anything that may be around the child’s head and/or neck
Do not:
Hold your child
Try to stop them from shaking
Put anything in your child’s mouth (nothing to eat or drink and no medications) until they are fully awake and alert
Seek medical attention if your child:
Has a seizure while in water
Seizes for more than 5 minutes
Has a fever
Risks a head injury while seizing
Remains unconscious for more than a few minutes or has trouble breathing following the seizure
If you feel that you need help caring for your child, consider hiring an in-home nurse. At JSP Home Care Services, our licensed nurses provide diligent pediatric seizure care. Every child is different, and therefore every care plan for children with seizures is unique. We work together with your child’s doctors to understand exactly what your child needs. To learn more about how we help children who experience seizures and their families, contact us online or call 866.860.2528.
As adults age, keeping active is one of the most important things they can do for their health. Exercise can help aging adults slow and, in some cases, prevent the onset of certain age-related conditions, including heart disease and stroke, osteoporosis, joint and muscle pain, and more. Seniors who exercise are also more likely to be independent and self-reliant, according to a study published by Harvard Medical School.
Finding the right kinds of exercise for older adults can help them stay safe while keeping active.
What Types of Exercises Are Best for Older Adults?
For a safe exercise routine, older adults should focus on low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints. Low-impact exercises decrease one’s risk of injury, as opposed to high-impact exercises that may be too strenuous and can therefore put older adults at risk of injury. Some examples of low-impact exercises include brisk walking and water aerobics, while running and jumping are considered high-impact exercises.
Exercises that are great for seniors include:
Resistance band workouts
Yoga / pilates
Walking
Bodyweight workouts
Strength training with dumbbells
Exercises that seniors should avoid include:
Popular training programs, like CrossFit
Long-distance running
High-intensity interval training
Squats with added weight (with a barbell or dumbbell)
Certain weight lifting maneuvers, such as bench press, deadlift, and power clean
How to Create a Safe Workout Routine
Before starting any exercise routine, talk to your primary care physician and any specialists you may be seeing. Your primary care physician will most likely want to perform a thorough physical examination to determine what types of exercises are best for you.
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, speak with your doctor or specialist to understand whether, and how, your condition may affect your ability to do exercise regularly and safely.
Some ways you can stay safe while exercising are to:
Start slow
Warm up
Follow instructions
Stay hydrated
Don’t overdo it
Over time, as you advance, your doctor may recommend you add more variety to your exercise routine or that you slightly increase your workout time.
How Much Physical Activity Should Older Adults Do?
The most important things for older adults to keep in mind when planning their activity routine is to sit less and move more. Older adults with chronic conditions, or who are not generally fit, should be as active as their condition and physical condition allow.
For adults 65 years old and older who are generally fit, the CDC recommends that they aim for 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise a day, for 5 days a week (150 minutes a week). An example of a moderately-intense exercise is brisk walking. The CDC also recommends that older adults do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.
Consider Hiring a Home Aide for Seniors Who Need Help Exercising Safely at Home
Older adults who need assistance with mobility or help maintaining a regular exercise routine should consider hiring a home care aide or nurse. JSP Home Care Services provides geriatric services, both home health aide and home nursing services, to aging adults who choose to age in place. To learn more about how we help older adults stay healthy at home, contact us online or call 866.860.2528.
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by impaired cognitive function, such as the ability to remember things and make decisions. It’s normal to experience minor memory loss and forgetfulness with age, but when should you be concerned about your loved one?
Personality Changes
Behavioral and personality changes are common in people with dementia. Someone with dementia may seem apathetic, anxious, or depressed. They may also experience mood swings or seem withdrawn.
Someone with dementia may also begin to say things that they wouldn’t normally say or do things that they wouldn’t normally do. Some examples of behavioral changes that are seen in people with dementia include:
Aggressive behavior such as hitting or kicking people who try to help
Undressing in public
Making obscene gestures
Saying things that seem hurtful
One reason you may notice a change in behavior in your loved one is because someone with dementia may lose the ability to express themselves and therefore may begin to act out.
Difficulty Communicating or Following a Conversation
As dementia progresses, the affected person can gradually lose their ability to communicate. A few common symptoms of dementia that can affect communication include difficulty:
Focusing or paying attention
Speaking
Expressing themselves clearly
Understanding speech
Following storylines
Communicating rational ideas
Remembering basic facts, such as names, dates, and places
Wandering and Getting Lost in Familiar Places
Wandering is a common symptom of dementia and can occur in the early stages of the disease. Pay attention to whether your loved one is getting home later than usual after their normal walk or drive or if they’re getting lost in familiar places, as these may be signs of wandering.
There are many reasons why a person with dementia may wander. They may be:
Following old routines, like going to work
Feeling anxious about being in a crowded place and looking for a more quiet place
Looking for something they need at that moment, such as a bathroom or food
Experiencing trouble with navigation and visual guidance
Searching for something or someone
Repetitive Behavior
Someone with dementia may say or do something over and over. This can occur because they’re experiencing short-term memory loss and can’t remember that they said or did something.
Repetitive behavior can also be a way for someone with dementia to:
Cope with anxiety / to soothe themselves
Express a concern
Ask for help
When to See a Doctor
While dementia mainly affects people who are 65 years and older, it is not a normal part of aging. If you notice early signs of dementia in a loved one, talk to their doctor. Early, more subtle symptoms of dementia are often referred to as “mild cognitive impairment.” In some people, these symptoms will get worse and develop into dementia. Dementia is progressive and gradually gets worse with time. Diagnosing dementia early on can help your loved one receive the maximum benefits of treatment.
As dementia progresses, your loved one will most likely require care. At-home care services allow aging adults to remain in familiar surroundings. JSP Home Care Services to aging adults with dementia and cognitive change. To learn more, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
If you are a caregiver to a sick or disabled child or a sick or aging parent, then you know that finding time to take care of yourself, your family, or your relationship can be difficult. Respite care is essential for a caregiver’s own health and allows them to recharge so that they can continue to provide much-needed care to their loved one.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term break from the duties of caregiving. During this time, someone else cares for your loved one. Respite care can be just for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. Respite care can take place in your home, at a daycare center, or at a facility that offers overnight stays.
Types of Respite Care
Respite care can take place in different settings and is flexible, so caregivers have many options to choose from.
Respite care options for sick or disabled children:
Overnight care with a licensed caregiver or nurse
Day center programs
Summer camp
Personal care assistance in the patient’s home with a trained and licensed nurse or caregiver (this can be for one daily task, such as bathing, or a certain part of the day)
Respite care options for sick or aging adults:
Adult day centers or programs
Personal care assistance in the patient’s home with a trained and licensed nurse or caregiver (this can be for one daily task, such as bathing, or a certain part of the day)
Respite care facilities (some assisted living facilities offer short-term stays for respite care. This may be a good option for a caregiver who would like to take a few weeks off.)
What Are the Benefits of Respite Care?
Caring for a loved one is often a full-time job, and can often feel frustrating and, isolating. Respite care offers many benefits to caregivers and the person receiving care, including:
Reducing stress for the caregiver and their family
Helping the caregiver to avoid burnout, find stress relief, and avoid feelings of burden
Giving the caregiver valuable time to interact with their significant other, friends, and other family members, and therefore preventing caregiver isolation
Improving the relationship between the caregiver and the person receiving care
Allowing the person receiving care to interact and socialize with different people
Respite care does not require you to plan an elaborate trip or to spend a lot of money. You don’t have to leave your house to find respite. Consider asking someone to come to your house to be with your child or loved one while you:
Take a relaxing bath
Exercise
Read a book
In-Home Nurse or Caregiver
If you’re a caregiver and feel isolated, exhausted, or frustrated, consider organizing respite care. When searching for respite care options, you’ll want to look for a licensed caregiver that is thoroughly trained to provide compassionate care. If your loved one requires medical care, then you’ll want to hire a licensed nurse.
At JSP Home Care Services our licensed caregivers and nurses are trained to provide compassionate care at home. To learn more about respite care and how we can help you, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic health conditions in the US, with nearly 1,000 newly diagnosed children every year. Cystic fibrosis is a condition that progresses with time and can cause health complications, like malnutrition and difficulty breathing.
While there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, treatments can help reduce symptom severity and slow the progression of the disease. Helping a child manage a complex health condition like cystic fibrosis can be challenging. But developing a consistent treatment plan can help you and your child establish a routine that can help ease the stress of managing a chronic illness.
Work With Your Child’s Care Team
If you’re unsure how or where to start, ask your child’s doctors and nurses how you can best care for your child at home. Your child’s team of caretakers can help you understand what kind of equipment you might need at home for airway clearance therapy, how to manage your child’s diet, and what types of exercise and how much is ideal for your child.
The first step to being able to help your child is to learn as much as you can about their illness. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a great resource for information about cystic fibrosis. You can always reach out to your child’s care team if you have specific questions regarding their diagnosis and treatment.
Take Steps to Reduce the Risk of Infections
People with cystic fibrosis are more susceptible to lung infections and are therefore more likely to experience complications from lung infections. An infection that seems benign to most people, such as the common cold, can be severe for someone with cystic fibrosis.
Steps that you and your child can take to help reduce the risk of infections include:
Constant hand washing
Keep your child and everyone in your household up-to-date on all vaccinations
Going to school and participating in social activities help your child experience a sense of normalcy, build independence, learn social skills, and, most of all, give them the freedom to have fun.
Before enrolling your child in school, daycare, or camp, talk to the director/coordinator to develop a plan of care for your child. A plan for your child may look like something like:
Precautions to reduce the risk of infections
Taking medication every day at the same time
Allowing them to have food in class
Granting leniency for missing classes due to necessary, recurring doctors’ appointments
Giving them extra time to finish assignments and offering extra help or a tutor to help them catch up on any missed lessons
Share Responsibility With Your Child for Their Care
Children who take part in their care often stay healthier. When your child is old enough, start encouraging them to take responsibility for certain parts of their treatment. A good first step is to teach your child about their condition and how their treatment helps them. This way, they can become more comfortable talking about their condition. Once they’re old enough, you can teach them simple ways to stay safe, like washing their hands to prevent getting sick with infections like the common cold.
At the right time, you can start by having them be responsible for one small task, like setting a timer to take their medication. Children with cystic fibrosis who are taught self-care become adults who are confident in managing their condition.
Consider Hiring a Home Care Nurse
If the daily care tasks become overwhelming, consider hiring a home health nurse. At JSP Home Care Services, our licensed nurses not only help children with their cystic fibrosis treatment but also help families manage the stress and overwhelm that comes with caring for a child with a chronic illness. JSP Home Care Services’ English/Spanish bilingual administrative staff and nurses are here for you. To learn more about home care services for your child in New York City, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
Adults over the age of 65 are one of the highest risk groups for accidental house fires. The risk of dying in a home fire increases with age as more adults lose mobility, experience sight and hearing loss, and develop cognitive confusion. For aging adults who choose to live in their own home, fire safety is an essential part of their home care plan. Anyone caring for an aging loved one who wishes to age in place should also be aware of the risks, how to prevent accidental home fires, and how to prevent injury caused by accidental home fires.
Why Are Older Adults at Risk for Fire Injuries and Death?
Complications associated with aging, like physical and cognitive degeneration, increase the likelihood of accidental house fires while also increasing the risk of injury and death from accidental house fires. Some common reasons why older adults are at risk for fire injuries and death include:
Physical mobility issues that may limit their ability to take quick action in the event of an emergency
Many older adults live alone, and therefore do not have anyone to help them in the case of an emergency
Certain medications may affect a person’s reaction time, limiting their ability to take quick action
There are steps that seniors and their loved ones can take to prevent accidental home fires and also reduce the risk of injury or death.
Establish Strict Rules Around Smoking
Fire caused by smoking is the leading cause of fire death among people who are 65 years old or older. By following a few simple guidelines, the risk of fires caused by smoking can be eliminated:
No smoking in bed, preferably, smoking would only be done outdoors
No smoking around oxygen tanks
Use deep ashtrays that are less likely to have ashes blown out
Use heavy ashtrays that are less likely to tip over by accident
Safely putting out cigarettes by dunking them in water
Stay Attentive When Cooking
Cooking accidents are the number one cause of accidental home fires and the most common cause of fire-related injuries among seniors. To reduce the risk of cooking fires:
Don’t leave anything unattended while cooking, whether it’s boiling, grilling, or frying
Use proper clothing when cooking, like sleeves that are short or rolled up
Move things that can catch fire away from the stove
Turn pot and pan handles away from you to prevent bumping them by accident
If a stove fire does occur, take the following steps:
Turn off the stove
Put the flame out with baking soda
Put the lid on the pot/pan
Leave the pot/pan where it is
Map Out a Detailed Escape Plan
When a fire breaks out in a home, people have less than 3 minutes to get out of the building. An escape plan should take into account the older adult’s physical and mental capabilities. Some things to consider when making an escape plan are to:
Put all important items, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, and canes, next to your bed while sleeping
Practice escape routes at least twice a year
Make sure that doors and windows are easy to unlock
Ensure that if your loved one has a two-story home that they sleep on the ground level to make evacuation easier
Install Smoke Alarms and Check Them Regularly
Smoke alarms warn you that there is a fire before you can even see it or smell it. If your loved one does not have smoke alarms installed in their home, consider calling the fire department and asking for help. In some cases, seniors qualify for free smoke alarms and installation. Make sure to:
Test your smoke alarms once a month to make sure they work
Make sure that everyone in the house can hear them, even when sleeping
For people with hearing issues, consider getting a notification device that vibrates or uses strobe lights to wake them up
Consider Hiring a Caregiver
Having a caregiver in the house allows aging adults to live independently while also getting assistance in daily activities. Having a caregiver can also help reduce the risk of accidental burns and fires.
Licensed nurses and home aides at JSP Home Care Services provide compassionate care to aging adults who prefer to age in place. For example, a home aide can cook for your loved one, or they can be there while your loved one cooks, to reduce the risk of accidental fire. To learn more about how we can help your loved one age in place safely, contact us online or call 866.860.2528.
Driving relies on a person’s vision, hearing, and coordination, as well as their ability to pay attention and focus. Changes in a person’s health can affect their ability to drive safely over time.
If you notice changes in a parent’s or an elderly family member’s driving abilities, there may be some ways that your loved one can adjust the way they drive to stay safe.
Schedule Regular Hearing and Vision Tests
Eyesight changes with age. Certain eye diseases, like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, are more likely to affect people over the age of 50. These conditions can make it difficult for someone to read street signs or drive at night.
Hearing can also change with age. Hearing loss can be dangerous for driving, because it can make it difficult for someone to hear horns, sirens, or even a noise from their own car that warns them that they need to pull over or move to another lane.
Older adults should schedule regular hearing and vision tests to check their eye health and their hearing ability. They may be able to correct any issues with glasses or with a hearing aid.
Get Their Driving Skills Checked Regularly
Getting regularly retested for driving can help older adults understand their current driving ability, refine their driving habits, and can also give their families peace of mind. Adults can get their driving skills checked by a driving rehabilitation specialist, occupational therapist, or other trained professional.
Stay Physically Active
It’s common for a person’s muscles to weaken and for their joints to get stiff with age. For example, arthritis, which is common among older adults, can make it difficult for someone to grip a steering wheel, press on the brake pedal, or even look over their shoulder to check a blind spot.
Staying active can help people with flexibility problems strengthen their muscles and improve flexibility. Low-impact activities, like walking, swimming, stretching are generally recommended for people with joint stiffness.
Avoid Rush Hour
As someone gets older, they may have a difficult time reacting as quickly as they used to. To help avoid situations where a person may need to stop suddenly, older adults should plan trips during quieter times of the day, when there is less traffic, or drive in the right lane where traffic moves slower.
Avoid Driving When the Weather is bad
Rain, ice, or snow can make driving conditions dangerous very quickly and anyone can have difficulty driving when the weather is bad. If visibility is poor on the roads, or if the roads are icy, the safest decision to make is to wait to run any errands until the weather is better or to use public transportation.
Know When to Stop Driving Altogether
Having the conversation of when your loved one should stop driving is difficult. But it’s one that could save their life or someone else’s. If your loved one is unable to drive safely, hiring a home health aide can help reduce the need for your loved one to use a car. JSP Home Care Services provides specialized home care for aging adults. Our home health aides help aging adults with errands such as food shopping and picking up prescriptions. To learn more about how we accompany aging adults in New York City, contact us online or call 866.860.2528.
