Cincinnati Certified Senior Advisor On Addressing Difficult Driving Decisions

Driving is a complex task that requires focus, fast reflexes, and the ability to multitask. Naturally, because dementia affects all of these things, an individual with the disease may not be able to drive safely. But if someone in your family has dementia, how do you know when it’s time for them to stop driving, and how can you convince them to relinquish the task when driving ability is a mark of independence for so many people? 

If you struggle to find the answer to this difficult question, Mark Healy of Senior Care Authority’s Cincinnati location will share some insights as part of his presentation at the second annual Confident Caregiver Workshop hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Miami Valley and Greater Cincinnati Chapters. Mark April 11 on your calendar; that’s when this event will be hosted at the Atrium Medical Center in Middletown, OH.

Learn more at https://www.seniorcareauthority.com/locations/cincinnati-oh/

Dementia Will Be a Growing Issue

42% of Americans over the age of 55 will eventually develop dementia, and the number of annual diagnoses is expected to double by the year 2060 due to America’s aging population, according to estimates provided by the National Institutes of Health. 

While individuals in the early stages of dementia can typically continue driving safely, the progressive nature of the disease will eventually result in a deterioration of perception, concentration, judgment, and physical ability, putting them at increasing risk for unsafe driving behaviors and accidents.

Transitioning With Empathy

However, Healy acknowledges that many families caring for loved ones with dementia struggle to address this sensitive topic. Understandably so, right? With or without dementia, you’d probably be hard-pressed to find someone who will be happy to just be told to stop doing something that they need to do to get around. 

But the key lies in communicating your point clearly. And that’s exactly what Healy is here to guide you in. To help families with the transition, his presentation, “How to Know When It’s Time to Retire from Driving,” provides insights into how to facilitate a productive conversation about dementia and driving and ensure all parties remain empathetic and confident throughout the dialogue. 

“Helping families through tough decisions is the heart of what we do,” says Healy. “I am here to provide tools that ease the burden and foster understanding.”

As a Certified Senior Advisor, Healy is naturally an expert on all things related to dementia care - and senior care in general. So if you’re interested in how he can help you and your family with other aspects of senior care or you simply want to learn more about his knowledge in advance, visit https://www.seniorcareauthority.com/locations/cincinnati-oh/about-us/

The Confident Caregiver Workshop

The Confident Caregiver workshop offers essential guidance on caregiving challenges, from in-home care to long-term living solutions. Registration details and a full schedule of speakers will be available soon. For more information about the event or to register, please visit the Greater Cincinnati Alzheimer's Association website: https://www.alz.org/cincinnati

Helping Seniors Throughout Cincinnati

Senior Care Authority provides guidance, advocacy, and support to families navigating senior care decisions. Through personalized consultations, they help families find the best care solutions, whether it's Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, or staying safely at home. Senior Care Authority is also the exclusive provider of Beyond Driving with Dignity, a program designed to help senior drivers and their families work through the complicated issue of age-related diminishing driving skills.

If you and your elderly loved ones are facing difficult transitions that you don’t think you can get through on your own, don’t hesitate to call Healy. He’s ready to provide you with advice and compassion that will make your family’s journey easier.

Visit https://www.seniorcareauthority.com to learn more.