| Do you know someone living with Dementia?
Are they still driving? How do you know when it is time to stop driving? How can we keep them safe and allow for freedom and independence? Heather Shields, OTR/L, CDRS, owner of Pathways Driving Rehab Services performs driving evaluations and trainings with seniors and their family members. This service is a blessing to the family when it is truly time for the senior to retire from driving. People with mild dementia are typically still safe to drive. When the dementia progresses to moderate and severe, it is no longer safe to drive. Pathways Driving Rehab Services is able to work with seniors and their families to help extend driving years. Heather has put together a list of resources to assist you in speaking to your loved one about driving. It feels like it is never a good time to bring this up. However, it is so much easier if we can start the conversations earlier. Free video resources for older driversMany of us are aware of some of the free literature The Hartford insurance company has produced for older drivers and their families. “The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence and the MIT AgeLab researched the connection between exercise and driving and found that exercise may contribute to a more positive driving experience.” The website shows four videos based on their research and focused on four areas – flexibility, range of motion, strength and coordination. AAA Roadwise Review: A Tool to Help Seniors Drive Safely Longer Counseling Drivers, options and alternatives
Hartford Foundation’s “We Need to Talk” Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia and Driving Resource Center Free booklets These guidebooks on driving safety are available online or by mail: “At the Crossroads: Family Conversations with Older Drivers” “Your Road Ahead: A Guide to Comprehensive Driving Evaluations.” If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can order any of these guidebooks by writing to: The Hartford 200 Hopmeadow Street Simsbury, CT 06089
Pathways Driving Rehab Services can help people living with Dementia drive safer, longer. |
