Caregivers in Sandy UT
Many seniors are still driving well into the 70s and 80s, but as the family caregiver for your mom or dad, you should help them make sure their car is in tip-top driving condition.April is Car Care Month. It makes sense that special attention should be placed on cars now. Winter is over and people are getting their cars ready for spring and summer driving, especially as so many people take vacations in the summer.
But spring driving brings with it its own set of hazards, including driving on slick or wet roads; or during bad thunderstorms and torrential downpours. So it’s important that your parent take care of any issues that may have happened or been put off during the winter months. It’s also important for them to have their tires checked—replaced, if necessary—along with the brakes and windshield wipers,
They should also have their vehicle lighting checked. When driving in rain it’s important that they have their lights on so people can see them.
Something else that should be done now to prepare for the spring and summer driving season is the oil and air pressure in the tires changed to reflect warmer temperatures.
During April’s Car Care Month, the Car Care Council sponsors a number of events that can help your mom or dad better understand their car’s maintenance requirements, and also provide car check-up events.
You or your parent can visit the Car Care Council’s website ( http://www.carcare.org/car-care-events) to get specific events for their area.
Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council warns that, “It’s easy to postpone vehicle maintenance when things get busy, but don’t put it off. Addressing minor service needs before they become major will help you avoid unexpected car trouble and unplanned costly repairs.”
The Car Care Council’s website ( www.carcare.org) also has many free tools that can be used or downloaded, including their Car Care Guide and a customized service schedule with email remainders that makes it simple for you or your aging parent to follow a routine maintenance program on their vehicle.
April is also a good time to consider whether your parent is capable of continuing to drive safely. If they have mobility issues, vision loss, hearing loss or other cognitive disruption, it may be time to consider hanging up the keys. One great way to get through a difficult time like this is to bring in a home care provider who can drive your senior to doctor's appointments, the grocery store, the library or any other place they frequent. A home care provider can help reduce the feeling of lost independence that no longer driving may trigger.
If you or an aging loved one are considering help for family caregivers in Sandy, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author:
Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.Marlana is a registered nurse with over 18 years of experience in oncology, home health and hospice. Her life's work has revolved around providing exceptional care. Marlana meets and assesses each new client and creates our customized plan of care.
Michael spent over 20 years as an Air Force intelligence officer both on active duty and as a reservist. He continues to serve as an Academy Liaison Officer helping high school students who are interested in attending the Air Force Academy. Mike's focus is on finding the best caregivers and providing them with an environment where they are valued, trusted and empowered to do their best work.
We have a wonderful team of experienced caregivers. Each is drug screened, given a thorough and ongoing criminal background check, orientation, and training. They also have access to and are encouraged to participate in the Interim University--an online educational portal with over 300 courses on topics relevant to our clients and their needs.
