I am so thankful my career path wound its way to Right at Home
of Central NJ as the Director of Client Care. All of us here including Beth
Sholom the owner and my boss and mentor understand the needs of adults with
aging parents. I was able to take some time to spend with my father on one of
the most important days of his life. He was summoned by letter to appear to
take his driver reexamination tests (both written and road).
The drive to the NJ DMV whether you are 17 or in your 70’s is
always a nerve wracking experience. In your 70’s it is more so because you are
fighting to keep the independence that you have had for over half of a century!!!!
The standing in line to wait to take the test is grueling. Watching the others
that have gone before you pass or fail leaves you imagining what your results
will be in end.
I watched my father struggle a bit with the vision test he
finally got through that step and he was given a testing cubicle. As I left the testing room I saw another man
peering over to an elderly gentleman that was in the process of taking the
written test. I inquired if it was his
father. He informed me the man was his 91 year old client and that he was the
instructor. He then shared that he hoped
the gentleman would pass so he and his wife of 73 years could continue their
weekly trips to the grocery store, doctor’s offices, and so forth.
We both paced the hallways hoping for the best results. It was a thumbs up on the first round for his
client and then my father.
My dad and I then buckled ourselves into my car, which had been
his practice vehicle for the road test because I have the center hand brake
that the DMV requires. Off to the road testing center!
Once at the center I watched as the 91 year old gentleman started
his road test, then after handing over his credentials my father started his road
test as well.
I found myself holding my breath as my father aced parallel
parking and a few other maneuvers. He
pulled onto the road and drove out of my sight. My fingers were crossed! The 91 year old driver had just completed the
course and his instructor turned to me and gave me the thumbs up. The client passed the test! My hopes where rising!
My Kia Soul cruised towards me and pulled to a stop at the
curb. My dad was flashing the biggest
smile I have seen in a long time! Another thumbs up!
What a great day! My dad
still has his independence and so do I!
Research was conducted by Guohua Li, MD, DrPH
and his team of researchers at Columbia University. They assessed quantitative
health-related data sourced from 16 other studies and compared relative results
with current data. The study relied on previous findings along with 10 years of
empirical research.
- The study found older adults who no longer drove declined in cognitive functioning and physical mobility as much as 2x faster than elderly adults who still drove.
- Additionally, once seniors stopped driving there was a 51% decrease in size of social circles, including friends and relatives. This study found reduced social health was more prominent in women compared to men.
- Seniors who lost their license were 5 times more likely to move into a nursing home or assisted living community.
The belief is that seniors who do not drive
start to stay home more often. Home-based activities do not necessarily provide
the same amount of exertion or stimuli, leading to a decline of physical and
mental capabilities. As the saying goes, if you don’t use it you lose it.
If you find yourself or a loved one in the position of having
lost your drivers license Right at Home of Central NJ can be of
assistance. We can provide one of our
CHHA caregivers or a companion aide to provide an independent lifestyle.
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