Driving Safety and Evaluation
Driving safety for older adults is very much in the news. On this page we offer links to Driving Safety and Evaluation programs, tips for having the conversation about handing over the car keys, and a recent article about ways to get around if you stop driving.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
DriveWise
330 Brookline Ave.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-667-4074
brochure for the Drive Wise program
DriveWise provides comprehensive evaluation of the driving performance of individuals who may have compromised driving skills, due to impairment in motor, cognitive, perceptual and/or sensory abilities. The team include clinicians from behavioral neurology, clinical social work and occupational therapy. An on-the-road driving assessment is included with a patient and family feedback meeting.
MIT AgeLab
Talk with Older Drivers: The Hartford
One Amherst Avenue
Room E40-279
Muckley Building
Cambrige, MA 02139
Phone: 617 253-0753
The AgeLab in collaboration with The Hartford help produced a resource with tips on how to have effective conversations with your older family members about your concerns with their driving. This is a free publication. Safe Driving for a Lifetime-questions families need to ask about older drivers. To read the full story click here. http://www.thehartford.com/talkwitholderdrivers/
More than 4 million people in the United States are afflicted with dementia, with Alzeimer's disease being the most common form. Learn more with The Hartford's Alzheimer's & Driving. Click here to read further.http://www.thehartford.com/alzheimers/
Newton Wellesley Hospital
Drive Safe
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
Phone: 617-243-6172
The Drive Safe program within the Rehabilitation Service Department is designed for adults who are experiencing functional change due to medical conditions, trauma, surgery, neurological incidents, or aging. The Evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of the visual, perceptual, cognitive and physical skills necessary for driving as well as knowledge of the rules of the road and driving safety. If the patient demonstrates the prerequisites skills for driving, the occupational therapist will coordinate a behind the wheel assessment that is conducted by a licensed driving instructor.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network
Driving Evaluation Program
300 Granite Street
Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-843-1145
Fax: 617 573-2610
An evaluation is conducted by an occupational therapist at one of the four centers by using a simulated system with steering wheels, accelerator and break pedals for reaction time testing. An evaluation will test vision, depth perception, motor planning and problem solving skills. Some results could produce suggestions to making adaptation on your car or a recommendation to see the ophthalmologist. |