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REASONS TO CONSIDER A FORMAL DRIVING ASSESSMENT AND RESOURCES (UNIT 5) There are many reasons to consider a formal driving assessment. The table below can help you determine if it may be time for you or a loved one to consider taking one. Check all that apply. REASON If you feel that your driving continues to be fine, you may appreciate getting a professional opinion to verify your confidence. If you feel like you are not seeing as well as you once did, or are experiencing slowed reaction time or a loss of flexibility, you may benefit from learning how a formal driving assessment could affect your driving and discover new strategies or tips to keep your driving skills sharp. If you have one or more medical conditions or physical limitations that may lead to a loss of range of motion, flexibility, or strength in your arms or legs, you may benefit from an evaluation. It may also provide you with a plan for rehabilitation and/or assistive equipment, if appropriate. If you have experienced a loss of peripheral vision or depth perception or have another vision-related change, a driving evaluation can help. If you have been told that you should stop or limit driving—but you disagree—getting an opinion from an occupational therapist who is also a trained driving rehabilitation specialist may be beneficial. You will undergo a thorough evaluation process that takes a complete picture of your driving skills and your potential for improvement. If you would like to resume driving a er a period of non-driving, you could benefit from getting a driving checkup. For example, if you stopped driving a er an illness such as a stroke, an evaluation could show you what effects, if any, the stroke had on your ability to drive safely. It could also point out strategies, rehabilitation therapies, or special equipment that could help you drive safely again. If a lifestyle change such as a recent move or an illness affects where or how much you drive, you may benefit from a driving evaluation to sharpen skills and build confidence. If you have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease but are in the early stages, you may be able to initially manage driving safely. However, all people with irreversible dementia will eventually become unsafe to drive because of the degenerative, progressive nature of the condition. It is important to consider a comprehensive driving evaluation to determine whether you can currently drive safely and to help you make plans for other ways to travel in the future. People sometimes find that a er recovery, some coaching and retraining helps prepare them to get back behind the wheel. There may be several community resources available to help you: X Occupational therapy driver rehabilitation specialists X Programs sponsored by your county or city office on aging X Veterans Administration and other rehabilitation facilities X Your state's bureau or department of motor vehicles or motor vehicle administration, which may have special programs or special licensing options. Discover more on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website (www.aota.org), or check with your local hospital. www.aarp.org/drive Smart Driver Participant Guidebook Resources 117 RESOURCES