Are you concerned about your loved one’s driving safety?
A systematic review of 15 studies including 17,349 subjects showed that a history of prior fall in older adults was associated with a significantly greater risk of subsequent motor vehicle collision with 1.4 times the risk compared to those with no history of falls. One study found a significantly greater risk of car accident-related hospitalizations and deaths in people with a prior fall. Overall prior falls appear to be a risk factor for car-accidents, though the authors were cautious to note that studies included in the review were observational in nature and association between falls and car accidents still needs further study (Scott KA, Rogers E, Betz ME, Hoffecker L, Li G, DiGuiseppi C. Associations Between Falls and Driving Outcomes in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2017 Dec;65(12):2596-2602. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15047. Epub 2017 Sep 5. PMID: 28873218; PMCID: PMC5729077 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5729077 ).
Question: What does it mean for you and your loved one?
Answer: If you or your loved one notice balance deficits, have falls due to trips, slips of loss of balance consider having driving safety evaluation.
Question: Where do I go?
Answer: Reach out to your local hospital or large therapy practice. Usually driving evaluation is performed by an occupational therapist who has had specialized training to be able to assess driving safety.
Question: Is every occupational therapist able to evaluate for driving safety?
Answer: No, only those who have specialized training.
Question: Steady Strides Fall Prevention and Stroke Rehabilitation Medical Center led by Dr Atanelov, MD usually has comprehensive approach to falls and stroke rehabilitation. Do you guys provide driving evaluation as well?
Answer: Yes, in line with evidence that people at risk of falls are at increased risk of car accidents we started offering driving evaluations by a specialized occupational therapist to help reduce risk of motor vehicle accidents. Visit www.steadystridesmd.com or call us at (443) 898 - 8160 with questions.