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Contact Us:
Julie Groves, OTR
juliegroves@therapyinyourhome.net
(408) 358-0201

 

Safe Driving and Where to go for help:

IF you are SURE someone you know should not be driving:
  1. Inform the person's doctor.
  2. Inform the DMV, in writing, can be confidential. Forms available.
  3. Arrange for alternative transportation, see below.
  4. Provide many and varied ways for the person to get out in the community, to stay involved in previous activities and to run errands.
  5. Arrange for the person not to be able to drive if needed.
  6. Prepare to respond to emotions of anger, depression and denial.
  7. Links for more resources
  8. Call Therapy In your Home for more information: (408) 358-0201

IF you WONDER whether a person is safe to drive:
  1. Discuss your concerns with others who have observed the person driving.
  2. Find the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's "How to Help and Older Driver" at (www.aaafoundation.org or www.seniordrivers.org).
  3. Consult an Occupational Therapist on a private basis (ask the Council on Aging in Santa Clara County: 408-296-8290 or Ties Line in San Mateo County: 1-800-675-8437. Results are confidential
  4. Therapy In Your Home- OT, PT, ST specializes in advising clients and families regarding driving: 408-358-0201
  5. If there is concern about driving, there are likely to be other areas that are problematic too. For instance, accuracy of medications or scheduling, and skills such as getting nutritious meals and getting around easily. Therefore, it may be less threatening to request an Occupational Therapy Assessment of general skills and interests, of independence and ability, than to solely assess driving safety. Ask the physician for a referral to an Occupational Therapist for an ADL Evaluation including Community Mobility from an OT with driver screening skills. (Paid by Medicare, results to the physician).

IF you want more information to determine if YOU are safe to drive, consider:
  • How is it paid for? Out of pocket, insurance or Medicare, Community based class.
  • Who is the information reported to? Just you, family, physician, insurance.
  • Purpose? Clinical evaluation at a hospital or in your home, behind the wheel training, class setting, alternative transportation.

 

Drive Safely: Know what makes a safer driver, know your own limits.