Home Care and Transportation for Seniors

Today, our cars are our connection to life outside of the home. The ability to drive your care wherever you want to, whenever you want to is something that many people aged 16 - 70 take for granted. Loss of the ability to drive for seniors is linked to a variety of issues, from visual impairment to cognitive decline. Regardless of why an aging adult may choose to stop driving, it is found that they report that their wellbeing is impacted by the change. Home care agencies providing transportation can be a part of the solution to this change, and it may even be covered by insurance!

Anyone who drives knows, your vehicle and ability to drive are essential to your independence and wellbeing. From essential errands like grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions to social engagements, driving gets us where we need to be. Having the autonomy to drive where you want, when you want can contribute to your sense of wellbeing as many people rate independence as a highly important value in their life.

With aging comes many life changes. While many seniors continue to drive well into their 70s and beyond, with aging comes many maladies that can affect the ability to safely drive. Age related decline in cognitive abilities and physical faculties, such as vision loss, contribute to the difficult decision to stop driving. Additionally, seniors are connected to higher crash fatality rates attributed to increase frailty and injury susceptibility. Though it can be a smart choice for seniors stop driving when they notice a decrease in their ability to safely do so, it can have adverse affects on their wellness.

It's established that access to driving is incredibly important. In fact, a study showed that older adults rated driving as the second most important activity of daily living, ahead of leisure, reading, and medication management! It follows then that losing access to driving has negative impacts on seniors. The inability to drive can contribute to isolation and poor self care, leading to increased self-reporting of depression. Luckily there are multiple ways to remain mobile and and ensure independence. Public transportation, coordinating with loved ones, and transportation services can be utilized simultaneously where applicable to help fill the gaps left when a senior stops driving.

Home care can be an excellent solution for those who are no longer driving. At Total In Home Services, transportation is one of our client's most used services. Aides can be scheduled on a repeating schedule for any recurring errands or social functions you need transportation to. Clients can also call the office at any time to request additional transportation. We schedule our aides in 4 hour minimum blocks. If you are eligible, home care can even be covered by the state under a Medicaid waiver! Long term care insurance, a type of insurance purchased separately from typical health insurance, often covers home care aid assistance as well.

In summary, the decision for a senior to stop driving due to age-related factors can significantly impact their overall wellbeing. However, by fostering strong communication with friends and family, utilizing public transportation, and exploring specialized transportation services, seniors can effectively sustain their social connections and maintain their daily routines. Additionally, the support of home care services can play a crucial role in enhancing their quality of life during this transition. By taking proactive steps and seeking assistance, seniors can navigate this change more smoothly and continue to thrive in their communities.

If you are interested in home care as part of a solution to you or your loved ones transportation needs, call Total at 219-937-2811.