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Addressing the Needs of the Older Driver

Addressing the Needs of the Older Driver. Jerry Bouman CDRS Mary Free Bed Hospital Driver Rehab Greg Brunette, CDRS Mary Free Bed Hospital Driver Rehab. The Purpose of this presentation is to. Describe changes that occur with aging that may affect a person’s driving ability

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Addressing the Needs of the Older Driver

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  1. Addressing the Needs of the Older Driver Jerry Bouman CDRS Mary Free Bed Hospital Driver Rehab Greg Brunette, CDRS Mary Free Bed Hospital Driver Rehab

  2. The Purpose of this presentation is to • Describe changes that occur with aging that may affect a person’s driving ability • Review warning signs of driving problems • Provide information on options to address driving: State of Michigan, driver rehabilitation, refrain from driving • Provide information on accessing those programs

  3. Driver Demographics • As the population ages and baby boomers get older, we can expect the number of elderly drivers to increase. • Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of injury related deaths in the 65-74 age group. (AMA Physician Guide) • Older drivers have a higher fatality rate per mile driven than any other age group except those under age 25. (AMA Physician Guide)

  4. Changes with Aging • Normal aging process • Increased probability of disease

  5. Changes with Normal Aging • Visual Changes • Motor Changes • Cognitive Changes • Medications • Changes occur gradually over time—Person may not be aware of changes

  6. Common Diseases • Stroke • Parkinson’s Disease • Diabetes • Arthritis • Dementia • Low Vision

  7. We have identified the population, how do we identify those at risk?

  8. Early Warning of driver problems • Incorrect signaling • Trouble navigating turns • Moving into the wrong lane • Confusion at exits • Parking inappropriately • Hitting curbs • Driving at inappropriate speeds

  9. Early Warnings cont. • Delayed response to unexpected situations • Not anticipating dangerous situations • Increased agitation or irritation when driving • Scrapes or dents on car, garage or mailbox • Getting lost in familiar places • Near misses

  10. Early Warning cont. • Ticketed moving violations or warning • Car crash • Confusing brake and gas pedals • Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason • Turn signal and shift lever confusion

  11. We have an idea who is at risk, what can be done?

  12. Options for addressing driving • Report to State of Michigan • Driving Evaluation • Refrain from driving

  13. Report to State of Michigan • OC88 form • Sited into Driver Assessment • Driving suspended • Must provide favorable information from physician • Must pass vision and written test • Must pass road test

  14. Outcomes • Drive without restrictions • Drive with restrictions • Radius of home • No expressway • No driving, license suspended

  15. MFB Driver Rehabilitation Program • Addresses needs of older driver as well as individuals with disabilities or requiring transportation assessments • Collaboration between Occupational Therapists and Driver Educators • Provides both clinical and on-road assessment

  16. Referral Information • Physician’s prescription • Valid license or permit • Funding

  17. Behind the Wheel Assessment CME 1 – Older Driver Evaluation • Clinical Evaluation • Interview • Vision Screen • Informal Motor Assessment • Perceptual/Cognitive Testing • Observation

  18. CME 1 – Behind the Wheel Evaluation • RE 1 • RE 2 • Way-finding/Home area

  19. OUTCOME • Pass • Fail • Training • Documentation

  20. Pass • Report results of the evaluation to the physician • Recommend return to independent driving

  21. Fail • Report the results to the physician • Recommend that the physician and/or family report the results of the evaluation to the Secretary of State

  22. Behind the Wheel Training • Refresh driving skills • Prepare for a SOS Road Test • A road test with the Secretary of State is required to add adaptive equipment or restrictions to a driver’s license

  23. Behind the Wheel Training, cont., • Restrictions • Limited distance • No freeway • No night driving • Adaptive equipment

  24. Behind the Wheel Training, cont., • Adaptive Equipment • Steering spinner • Left foot accelerator • Right side auxiliary controls • Special mirrors • Extended foot pedals • Hand controls

  25. Documentation • Results of the evaluation is documented in a formal report • The report is sent to the referring physician and to the client • The report becomes a part of the client’s medical record

  26. Refrain from driving - Alternative Transportation • Family support • Public transportation is often not an option for the elderly especially with dementia • Provide transportation for leisure activities as well as necessary appointments • Change in lifestyle

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