Comprehensive Medical Driving Evaluations

Key Points for Driving Evaluations for the Elderly

1. Driving Cessation

Driving cessation may not be inevitable for many older adults and can have negative outcomes (eg, social isolation, depression, and fewer driving destinations).

Finding a physical therapist or occupational therapist who specializes in driving assessments, education, and training can is a vital component of keeping aging adults safe and independent on the roadways. 

In New Bern Craven County North Carolina, Anchor Therapy Solutions PLLC performs comprehensive, in-clinic medical driving evaluations for adults of all ages.

2. Age and Disease-Related Changes

Age-related and disease-related changes in physical, motor, sensory, and cognitive function can impair driving ability and account for some of the increase in motor vehicle crash (MVC) rates per miles driven in older drivers.

Few things could be more negatively impactful and preventable than a car accident. Keeping aging adults safe while driving may reduce personal injury risk as well as the risk to others. 

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, there were about 30,000,000 licensed drivers age 70 and over in the US in 2019. 

3. Many older drivers self-regulate their behavior.

In ideal situations, older and aging drivers may self-regulate their behavior. By proactively scheduling a driving assessment, individuals may be better prepared to identify driving impairments and increased risk as they develop.

If identified early enough, aging drivers may perform specific exercises to improve reaction time, improve neck, shoulder, and trunk mobility, and improve cognitive function to reduce risks of motor vehicle accidents and injuries to self or others.

4. Older adults are more vulnerable to injury and death in an MVC than other age groups.

As we age, our bodies may become more frail and prone to injury. Thinning bones may increase our risk of fracture. Slower healing time may lead to longer periods of immobility and functional decline following an accident.

The team at Anchor Therapy Solutions performs a comprehensive physical and cognitive evaluation to identify deficits and pathology that may be negatively impacting one’s ability to drive.

5. In-office tests and cognitive screens, New Bern Craven County North Carolina 

In-office tests and cognitive screens can identify at-risk drivers who need further assessment, but these tests are neither sensitive nor specific enough to be the sole determinant of driving ability.

The best option is to work one-on-one with a licensed therapist who will look at the whole picture. Therapists will take into account past medical history, social and family factors, living environment, and more.

6. The Decision to Stop Driving

The decision to stop driving requires more than just a simple yes/no answer. The medical team, family, and individual should be included in the decision. An evidence-supported decision may be the best option for any aging driver who seeks to maintain independence while protecting one's self, one's family, and others in the community.

* Resources: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/the-older-driver/overview-of-the-older-driver 

Pre-Driving Evaluations in New Bern Craven County North Carolina

Anchor Therapy Solutions PLLC performs comprehensive in-clinic medical driving evaluations.

Including:

• Comprehensive Clinical Vision Screening

• Clinical Physical and Functional Assessment

• Clinical Cognitive Perceptual Screening

• VariousStandardized Assessments

• Clinical In-Clinic Simulated Driving

This comprehensive evaluation will show evidence-based insight into your loved one and how to progress with their continuing to drive. 

Note: We are unable to assist in completing the state DMV medical paperwork. Our comprehensive evaluations and recommendation can be used to assist the primary care provider to determine if the individual is safe to return to drive.  

Do you have concerns about your loved ones continuing to drive on North Carolina roads? 

How do we talk to our aging parents about handing over the keys?

When to know it is time to stop driving?

How to Tell Your Senior Parent It's Time to Stop Driving?

Contact us today to schedule your evaluation!

Phone: (252) 772-3923Location: 3280 Wellons Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562