 Aging can create many different hurdles, one of the biggest is mobility problems that hinder your loved one’s ability to drive. There are adaptive technologies available for many different types of mobility issues; the trick is obtaining the skills to use them. After all, driving is a key factor in providing an independent lifestyle.
DriveAbility is an adaptive driving program offered by the occupational therapy department at Winchester Rehabilitation Center. The program is designed to help people drive again following illness, injury or a physically limiting condition.
Senior citizens can benefit from this program, as they will be evaluated in two stages: pre-driving and on the road. The pre-driving evaluation is completed by a registered occupational therapist who will review medical history, functional ability, thinking skills, visual perception and reaction time. This assessment will determine if your loved one can or should be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Once the pre-driving assessment is complete and the individual’s goals are discussed, DriveAbility coordinates with a local driving school to run the on-road test with a certified driving instructor.
Together, the occupational therapist and driving instructor determine the driver’s skill and mobility. These results are then shared with the client and physician.
In addition to teaching a new way to drive, the evaluations provide a unbiased, definitive assessment of your loved one’s abilities, giving you the peace of mind needed whether it means they’ll get to stay on the road, or will have to acknowledge that they shouldn’t be behind the wheel.
Watch the video below or visit their website to learn more:
In order to take advantage of DriveAbility’s services, you must first consult a physician and receive a referral for occupational therapy driving evaluation. Then call 540-536-5113 to make an appointment.
There are some fees associated with this program that may not be covered by insurance, such as additional services provided by an occupational therapist and behind-the-wheel sessions.
If your elderly loved one should not be behind the wheel, read about Transportation Options here.
For more articles like this, see: Resources for Central Virginia, Aging in Place, Seniors and Driving.
Know someone who worries about their elderly parent in Charlottesville, Staunton, or Harrisonburg Virginia? Care is There Geriatric Care Management can help! Have them contact us for a free consultation: 434.326.5323 or info@careisthere.com.
For more information about our services, and to read testimonials from our clients, visit our website. Also, view this short video about our care management services.
Elizabeth Swider, Geriatric Care Manager, Certified Senior Advisor
President, Care is There Geriatric Care Management
Support for independent living and long distance caregiving; assisted living enhancement
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