Helen is nervous.

 

Since Dad’s death last year, my mother, whose name is Helen, has lost weight, had a couple of falls and stays at home a lot more. I worry about her being alone in the house and admire that she is determined to stay put and keep her independence. She is still a licensed driver and has a good driving record but hasn’t come to visit us on her own – Dad used to do most of the driving. Although she knows a change of scene would cheer her up, I think she’s talked herself into being underconfident behind the wheel of the car.

Helen needs an OT.

OLDER ADULT DRIVING requires adjustments. Getting in and out of the car can become difficult with aging. It can also be a challenge to figure out how to adjust all the settings in a vehicle so you feel comfortable and safe behind the wheel.

The occupational therapist helped Helen to:

  • Attend a CarFit event where she has the opportunity to learn how well her car “fits” her, and where a certified CarFit technician will teach her how to adjust her vehicle for comfort and safety. Examples are adjusting seat height and seat depth. Steering tilt. Rear and side-view mirrors.

  • Understand how to use Google Maps. Then Helen can find alternatives to highways and freeways, so she avoids fast-moving traffic.

  • Learn how to check for weather on her smart phone. Then Helen can avoid rain or snow when driving. She can organize her outings when skies are clear, and she feels more confident driving.

  • Use a Stander Handybar to assist in getting in and out of the car with ease.

  • Recognize her abilities and limitations about driving. For example, Helen’s leg pain at the end of the day makes it difficult for her to move her foot from the gas to the brake pedal. Therefore, the OT helps Helen plan her outings in the morning, when her legs feel better.

Because of occupational therapy, Mom comes for a visit!

CarFit is an education and awareness program delivered in Canada by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) provides a searchable national directory of occupational therapists for all Canadians to find the occupational therapy services they need.

Occupational therapy. Making the everyday possible.