Due to a recent stroke your aging mother has trouble getting around and can no longer drive. For many seniors turning over the car keys for good is a serious blow to their dignity and independence. Because mom has limited mobility, you’ll need to find ways to safely transport her where she needs to go. As a caregiver transporting an elderly parent can be challenging at times, especially when they also have physical and/or cognitive issues. If you’re currently in this situation, here are some ways to transport your senior parent more safely.

Potential Problems when a Senior Stops Driving

Roughly 600,000 elderly Americans stop driving every year, and usually it’s because of declining health. When that happens to your parent, it becomes much harder for them to make it to doctor’s appointments, shop for necessities and socialize with friends and family members.

According to an article in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, seniors who no longer drive are placed at higher risk for:

  • Cognitive decline
  • Social isolation
  • Having to move into a nursing home or assisted living facility
  • Chronic physical health problems

Oftentimes the responsibility of transporting an older parent with limited mobility falls upon the shoulders of a close family member.

Safely Transporting a Senior with Limited Mobility

As a caregiver getting an aging parent into and out of a car can sometimes be dangerous for the both of you. Here are some tips for making the process go more safely and smoothly:

  • Look for possible slip or trip hazards.
  • Be sure that both of you are wearing shoes with non-skid soles.
  • Position your feet shoulder length apart.
  • Keep your head and body upright whenever possible.
  • Lower your hips to their height by bending at the knees.
  • Carry their body weight as close to your center of gravity as possible.
  • Getting as close to them as possible, bear their weight on your forearms.
  • Lift with your legs and not with your back.
  • When lifting don’t twist your spine. Pivot by shifting the position of your feet.
  • If your loved one has dementia try to keep them from getting agitated by explaining each step as you go.

Wheelchair transfers

If your loved one uses a wheelchair here’s how to safely transfer them into a car:

  • If available, use a gait belt during the transfer process.
  • Open the car door and slide the seat back to create more room.
  • Standing with your back towards the car pull the wheelchair towards you.
  • Talk your loved one through the transfer process step by step so that they can assist if possible.
  • Bend at the knees and use your legs as leverage.
  • Ask your loved one to lean forward and push themselves up using the arms of the wheelchair. Discourage them from holding onto the
  • car door to stand up.
  • Carefully pivot your body and your senior so that their backside is facing towards the inside of the car.
  • While clearing their head of the door frame, gently help them sit on the seat with their legs still out of the car.
  • Once they’ve had a chance to regain balance help them move their legs into the car.
  • Be sure to fasten their seat belt and then carefully close the door.

Other Transportation Options for the Elderly

When you aren’t available to provide your elderly loved one with a ride there are several reliable transportation options out there that can, such as:

  • Public transit
  • Para-transit
  • Dial-a-ride (demand response)
  • Taxis
  • Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
  • Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)
  • Community volunteers
  • Home care agencies

Safe & Reliable Transportation for Seniors in Alabama

Transporting an aging parent with limited mobility can be challenging when you’re too busy or live far away. When you need a hand contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency our well trained, thoroughly screened caregivers can provide your loved one with the safe and reliable transportation they need. In addition to getting seniors where they need to go, our highly qualified caregivers can deliver a full menu of in-home services for a few hours per day, or even around the clock.

Our agency’s goal is lifting the spirits of both the elderly and family caregivers we serve by offering them dependable and affordable home care options. To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE consultation for a senior in Tuscaloosa or Huntsville, AL, today please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com!