Driving Safety and Evaluation
Driving safety for older adults is very much in the news.
Here you will find a list of driving safety and evaluation programs, tips for having the conversation about handing over the car keys, and an article about ways to get around if you stop driving.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
DriveWise
330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
617-667-4074
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 includes 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
One Amherst Avenue, Room E40-279, Muckley Building, Cambrige, MA 02139
Phone: 617 253-0753
The AgeLab, in collaboration with the Hartford (insurance group), produced Safe Driving for a Lifetime, a resource with tips on how to have effective conversations with older family members about your concerns with their driving. This is a free publication.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Drive Safe
2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462
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 Assessment Program
300 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184
781-843-1145
An evaluation is conducted by an occupational therapist at one of six centers. The evaluation begins with a clinical assessment that takes one to two hours. Following this, a person may be recommended for an in-vehicle assessment coordinated between the person, their family/support, the occupational therapist, and one of Spaulding’s partner driving schools. Results might suggest making adaptations to your car or seeing an ophthalmologist.