Four Types of Assistive Devices for Your Senior’s Car
With the right tools, your senior might be able to keep driving if that’s what she’s determined to do. The biggest concern is always making sure that your senior is as safe as possible, especially while driving.
Home Care Services in Prince William County VA: Types of Assistive Devices
Tools to Make up Height Differences
Height changes as your senior ages and that is not a fact she likely enjoys. If she’s having trouble reaching the pedals, foot pedal extensions are a good answer. There are also different types of cushions which can change the height of her seat in order to put her in the right position to be able to drive safely. If her seatbelts aren’t hitting at the right spot, there are adjusters for those, too.
Tools to Help Her to See What’s Happening
If your elderly family member can’t see what’s going on around her or in the car itself, that’s a massive problem. Aftermarket backup cameras can be an excellent tool to help. Blindspot mirrors easily attach to side mirrors and to rearview mirrors, too. Also, be sure to check your senior’s headlights and interior lighting. Consider replacing outdated or burned out bulbs with brighter LED versions.
Devices to Assist with Holding and Turning
Your senior might have lost some mobility or grasping power in her hands and that can create issues, too. Key turners help your elderly family member to be able to insert a key in the ignition if her car still uses that function. An even better idea might be to install an aftermarket push-button ignition that uses a key fob. Some steering wheels are difficult to hold, and there are covers with soft, squishy grips that make life a bit easier in that regard, too.
Tools to Make Getting In and Out of the Car Easier
For some seniors, getting into and out of the car is the most difficult issue. Seat cushions that swivel and turn allow your elderly family member to sit down comfortably and then simply let the cushion turn to help her get her legs into and out of the car. She might also find that she needs extra support when sitting or standing. There are handles that fit into the door latch easily and that she can lean on with her full weight to steady herself.
All the assistive devices in the world won’t keep your senior safe behind the wheel forever. At some point, she needs to consider giving up driving. Offer her the option of having elder care providers on hand so that she can go where she wants whenever she wants. That can make the idea a lot more appealing for her.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Prince William County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
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