Eldercare Companies Support Teaching Solutions to Unsafe Driving by Seniors

April 25, 2012 - PRLog -- (Tampa, FL)  Florida eldercare companies have stepped up to sponsor educational programs designed to contribute to the safety and independence of those seniors who should no longer be driving. These programs include webinars and seminars for the public and training for eldercare professionals. Classes are taught by Matt Gurwell of Keeping Us Safe, LLC.  Free webinars are offered online at http://www.lifelinesacademy.com.

Platinum Sponsor Cynthia Touchton, a financial advisor with Robert W. Baird & Co. in Palm Harbor explains “With the 65+ population set to increase 36% in just this decade alone, our society is in need of immediate solutions to the challenges associated with aging. Transportation is among the more significant issues because it’s important to physical and emotional independence.  I learned so much at one of Matt Gurwell’s seminars and want to help more people hear his message. I wish I had this education when I was caring for my mother.”  

Some of the sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor Aging Wisely, LLC, a geriatric care management firm, are hired to help resolve family disputes over taking the keys away. “Whenever possible, we facilitate compassionate conversations that help the elderly driver to accept that it’s time to move from the driver’s seat to the passenger’s seat, or to agree to use assistive devices to improve safety. It helps families to have a variety of tools and resources at their disposal to find solutions applicable to their family’s situation,” explains owner Linda Chamberlain.

Many families will face this dilemma of a loved one outliving their driving capability.  On average, men will live 6 years and women 10 years longer than they can drive, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. This equates to roughly 19% of Americans, or 13.9 million people, needing alternatives to driving in order to continue living independently in 2030 (US Census Bureau).

Gold sponsors of 2012 educational courses include Harmony Home Health, a private duty home health care agency in Clearwater, FL; Montefu Consulting, a Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits consulting firm in Tampa, FL; Welcome Home Relocation, a provider of senior move management and home organizing services located in Belleair, FL; Nataly Rubinstein, author of award winning book "Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: The Caregivers Complete Survival Guide", located in Miami, FL;  The Kantner Law Firm, P.L. offering elder and estate planning legal services, based in St. Petersburg, FL; and House to Home Relocation, a provider of senior move management and downsizing services located in St. Petersburg, FL.

All of the sponsors are members of Lifelines Academy & Network, a company dedicated to preparing businesses, professionals and families to meet the challenges associated with the aging of America through education and professional collaboration.  

Keeping Us Safe, LLC is a national organization based in Cleveland, Ohio, with a mission to provide older drivers and their families with tools necessary to confront the challenging issue of diminishing driving skills in the older driver.  To learn more about Keeping Us Safe’s products and programs or to enroll in the June 14, 2012, session of the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” Professional Certification program taking place at Pacifica Senior Living Belleair in Clearwater, Florida, please visit http://www.keepingussafe.org or call toll-free 877-907-8841.