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· Get the AMA's Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers. Attend a training session on its use.

· Begin the conversation. People plan financially for retirement and are encouraged to have a living will … they also need to also plan for mobility and driving options.

· Screen and identify risk. After screening, patients should be referred to an occupational therapist for a driving evaluation. Occupational therapy encompasses driving mobility through a certified driving specialist credential. Do not restrict driving based solely on a screening test, Schold-Davis advises. That is like guessing if a lump is cancerous or not. And don't wait too long!

· Refer clients and families facing cognitive impairment such as dementia to occupational therapy so therapists can help develop a mobility plan for this at-risk person. OTs can develop strategies to restrict access to a vehicle and for family transportation options.

To learn more about safe driving programs for seniors or how you can get involved, visit:

www.aota.org/olderdriver and www.asaging.org/drivewell.

To download the AMA's Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers, go to link:

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/10791.html

ie.
October 2006

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