Mental Health Concerns and The Older Adult
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Table 3. Chronic Medical Conditions That Require Investigation for Driving Safety Medical Condition Examples Chronic renal failure ● End-stage renal disease. ● Hemodialysis. Cancer and chemotherapy ● Weakness and extreme fatigue. ● Medication side effects. Insomnia ● Sleep apnea. ● Restless leg syndrome. ● Anxiety/depression/pain contributing to insomnia.
Note . Reproduced with permission (Promidor, 2019).
Table 4. Medications that can Impair Older Adults and Increase Driving Risk ● Anticholinergics. ● Anticonvulsants. ● Antidepressants. ● Antiemetics. ● Antihypertensives. ● Antiparkinsonian agents. ● Antipsychotics. ● Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/ anxiolytics. ● Hypoglycemic agents. ● Muscle relaxants. ● Narcotic analgesics. ● Stimulants. ● Hypnotics. ● Marijuana. ● Alcohol. ● Over-the-counter agents with anticholinergic adverse effects such as sleeping agents or allergy/cold medications, which are often first- generation antihistamines.
Note . Reproduced with permission (Promidor, 2019).
The healthcare worker should check for routine driving safety of the older adult and can refer to the CDC when planning interventions that maximize safe indepen- dence. Interventions should be individu- alized and performed in collaboration when necessary. The healthcare worker can help the older adult maintain their autonomous driving with proper identi- fication of and interventions addressing clinical deficits. The most common dis - turbances are vision, cognitive, and mo-
tor/sensory (CDC, 2022a). The healthcare worker can evaluate the older adult or refer the older adult for prompt assess- ment of any notable organ systems, acute or chronic conditions, and medication(s) that interfere with safe driving. Interven- tion and rehabilitation can keep the older adult safely behind the wheel. The health- care worker can utilize referrals and other resources to help the older adult client maximize restoration of functioning, lead- ing to safer driving. The healthcare worker
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