Senior Evaluations

As each of us age, changes occur that can affect our safety when driving. These changes may include a decrease in visual acuity or visual fields, reaction time, slower decision making or reduced range of motion especially at the neck, shoulders or ankles. Conditions more common as we age including arthritis, diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration or the side effects of medications may make driving more difficult or challenging.

Your physician may recommend a Senior Driving Evaluation to determine your safety behind the wheel. This recommendation is made in your best interest to maintain your safety on the as well as the safety of other drivers. Research has shown motor vehicle related injuries to older adults require longer hospitalizations and result in more fatalities than when younger individuals receive the same injuries.

A Senior Evaluation will take place in our office with many of the same aspects of a Clinical Assessment with an emphasis in age related concerns. A Behind the Wheel Assessment takes place in one of our vehicles and on a pre-defined driving route approved by the Motor Vehicle Department. Following this assessment, recommendations are made by your Occupational Therapist/Driving Evaluator and forwarded to your prescribing physician. These recommendations may include continuation of current driving status, restrictions to areas close to home, restrictions to type of roadway or possibly cessation of driving.

Click here to find learn about Requirements for a Senior Evaluation.