Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should be concerned about your loved one’s driving skills. It might be time to ask whether it’s time they retire the keys.

1. Has a friend or family member expressed concern about your loved one’s driving?

2. Has the doctor advised limiting driving for health reasons?

3. Has your loved one been pulled over by a police officer and warned about poor driving behavior?

4. Has your loved one been stopped by the police or had near misses or accidents in the last 3 years?

5. Does your loved one sometimes get lost on familiar routes?

6. Do you notice that your loved one’s concentration wanders when he or she drives?

7. Does he or she become confused or angry?

8. Do other drivers honk frequently when your loved one is behind the wheel?

9. Does your loved one complain that cars or people walking seem to appear out of nowhere?

10. Does your loved one have trouble moving his/her foot between the gas and brake pedals, or does he or she ever confuse the two?

It’s important to be aware of gradual limitations and how they may affect driving. If you’re not sure whether a driving problem is developing, discuss the situation with family members, friends or the doctor to seek advice. The most important thing is that everyone be safe on the road.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.