Tag Archive for: elderly accidents

Time to Hang Up the Car Keys

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As we age our ability to safely drive declines. As such, many factors need to be considered when our senior loved ones are hitting the road. If it’s time to hang up the car keys it’s important to approach the topic sensitively. He/she may feel a loss of freedom, so make sure to assess their condition and explain your concerns.

The factors to consider when it is time to hang up the car keys include:

If your loved one shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Impaired vision.
  • Hearing loss.
  • Side-effects from medication, such as drowsiness.
  • Delayed reaction time.
  • Loss of memory.
  • Inability to focus.
  • Decline in emotional and/or mental health.
  • Joint pain or discomfort that could slow braking.

Alternatives to a senior driving him/herself include:

Hiring a caregiver. Comprehensive Home Care gladly runs errands and transports our clients to and from appointments and events.

Taxi/ride-sharing service. Taxis and ride-sharing options are becoming more and more accessible for those who need an extra hand. Research the best option in your senior loved one’s area.

Public transportation. There are many options for public transportation designed for the elderly. Type the zip code in ElderCareLocator to find the local transportation programs.

Friends, family members, and neighbors. Have a discussion with friends and family members to see if they can provide transportation, even just for appointments.

Walking or bicycling. If your senior loved one’s health permits, walking or bicycling may be a great option for getting around as it provides exercise, saves money, and provides a sense of freedom.

Comprehensive Home Care is here to help! We provide transportation for our clients, so you can rest assured that he/she is safe and well taken care of. We can also provide advice on the best way to approach the topic with your loved one. Call us today at 704-333-5214 or contact us online to learn more.

Steps to Avoid Accidental Falls

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Seniors are at a greater risk of injury due to falls. This is especially true when they are living on their own or when caregivers are away most of the day. When a senior falls he/she is highly likely to cause serious injury. However, steps can be taken to help your loved one avoid falls.

Consider the following tips to help seniors avoid falls:


Be careful at all times

Older people fall due to different reasons, including poor eyesight or even improper balance. If a loved one suffers from these issues, the first thing they should learn is to take time to get up from their chair or bed. Moreover, they can use a walker to make sure they remain steady while moving around.

Consider changing medications

It is possible that some of the medicines prescribed to your loved one may cause drowsiness. This can be avoided by speaking with a doctor so that he or she can prescribe a replacement that does not come with such side effects.

Keep living area clutter-free  

Ensuring that their living area is well organized is an excellent way to reduce the chances of falling. In addition, make sure that the stairs are obstacle free and get rid of all loose rugs around the home. Check out Is Elderly Hoarding Impacting Your Senior Loved One? Here’s How to Help if the clutter is getting worse or causing issues.

Keep the home well lit

Dark areas tend to hide obstacles and make it difficult to navigate. Therefore, you should ensure that their home has proper lighting. Also, place a lamp within reach so they do not have to walk around in the dark. 

Keep things within reach

If a senior is having trouble reaching stuff within the home, it is time to start making some drastic changes. If things are not within reach, make them so. Put things in lower shelves and install handrails and grab bars. These will ensure that they do not end up hurting themselves or worrying about those who love and care for them.

Now that you know the most important measures to prevent a fall, you should not wait for a fall to happen. Follow these tips right away to make sure your loved one is as safe as possible. 

Comprehensive Home Care is a leading home care provider. We provide home care and respite care Charlotte services for seniors and their loved ones. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.