•
Moving your foot from the gas to the
brake pedal?
•
Turning the steering wheel?
•
Walking a block a day?
•
Going up or down stairs because you
have pain in your knees, legs, or ankles
If you said “Yes” to any of these questions,
you should…
•
Check with your doctor about physical
therapy, medicine, stretching exercises,
or a walking or fitness program.
•
Know that an automatic transmission,
power steering and brakes, and other
special equipment can make it easier for
you to drive your vehicle and use the foot
pedals.
•
Reduce your driver’s side blind spot by
moving your mirrors.
•
Watch for flashing lights of emergency
vehicles. Listen for sounds outside your
vehicle.
Does driving make you feel
nervous, scared, or overwhelmed?
Do You…
•
Feel confused by traffic signs, and people
and cars in traffic.
•
Take a medicine that makes you sleepy?
•
Get dizzy, or have seizures or loss of
consciousness?
•
React slowly to normal driving
situations?
If you said, “Yes” to any of these
questions, you should…
•
Ask your doctor if your health or side
effects from your medicine can affect
your driving.
•
Take routes that you know.
•
Try to drive during the day (around
rush hour).
•
Keep a safe distance between you and
the car ahead of you.
•
Always scan the road while you are
driving so that you are ready for any
problems and can plan your actions.
-
Jason Sparrow, OTD, OTR/L
Director of Rehab Care
Kirby Pines
The Pinecone
|
March 2013 • 5 •
In Memory of
BARRY SMITH
(
Lenora Smith’s Son)
Ann Davis
Employee Christmas Fund
MR. ROBERT BREWER
Betty and Lee Milford
Foundation Fund
John and Betty Phillips
Foundation Fund
MR. HAROLD WILSON
Betty and Lee Milford
Foundation Fund
ROBBIE JOINER
Joyce Miller
Foundation Fund
Bettye Segerson
Foundation Fund
Lou Bethay
Foundation Fund
In Honor of
BOB CAMPBELL
Marsha Greiner
Hobby Shop Fund
Bettye Segerson
Hobby Shop Fund
Charlotte Peterson
Hobby Shop Fund
JOHN YORK
&
CHARLES PARROTT
Lenora Smith
Hobby Shop Fund
JOHN JOHNSON
Anonymous
Hobby Shop Fund
BILL GOODRICH
Betty Phillips
Garden Gro’ers Fund
Gifts
THE HOBBY SHOP FUND
Arnold Semsch Joyce Miller
Howard Shelton Sam Babcock
Memorials,
Honorariums
&
Gifts
Part II: Safe Driving
Safe Driving for Older Adults
Some of the changes you experience as you
get older can affect your ability to drive
safely. The good news is that people who
keep track of changes in their eyesight,
physical fitness, and reflexes may be able to
adjust their driving habits so they stay safe
on the road. The following questions will
help you decide if physical changes have
affected your driving skills. Helpful tips
about coping with these changes
are also provided so that you
can remain a safe driver for
as long as possible.
How is your eyesight?
Do you have trouble…
•
Reading signs easily?
•
Recognizing someone you know from
across the street?
•
Seeing street markings, other cars, and
people walking – especially at dawn, at
dusk and at night?
•
Handling headlight glare at night?
If you said “Yes” to any of these questions,
you should…
•
Make sure you always wear your glasses
and that the prescription is current.
•
Keep your windshield, mirrors, and
headlights clean.
•
Make sure that your headlights are
working and aimed correctly.
•
Sit high enough in your seat so that you
can see the road for at least 10 feet in
front of your vehicle.
•
If you are 60 or older, see an eye doctor
every year.
Do you have control of your vehicle?
Loss of strength, coordination, and
flexibility can make it hard to control your
vehicle. Do you have trouble…
•
Looking over your shoulder to change
lanes?
Kirby Pines
Wellness Series
we are READY for you
We take care of your loved one. We take care of you.
• 15
Full Time CERTIFIED Therapists
•
Up to 3 hours a day, 5 days a week of
specialized rehabilitation
•
Weekend Treatments Available
• 85%
of our patients return directly home from
our Rehab Center
