Tests and Treatments the Driver Evaluation Program at Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital 

Testing

Your two-part evaluation will include an occupational therapy evaluation in the clinic and a hands-on, behind-the-wheel evaluation.

During your occupational therapy evaluation, an Occupational Therapist will meet with you to perform a series of assessments:

• Medical history
• Vision screening
• Physical strength appraisal
• Cognitive evaluation
• Reaction time testing
• Range of motion assessment

During the behind-the-wheel evaluation, a certified driving instructor will monitor you on the road for over an hour.

Treatment

In addition to this evaluation, recommendation may be made for ongoing occupational therapy treatment sessions to make driving easier and safer. We:

• Provide training to drivers that improves their ability to drive safely
• Recommend adaptive equipment and train drivers how to use the equipment to help them continue to drive and get around safely and appropriately
• Refer to area suppliers that are available to make vehicle modifications.
• Help identify alternate forms of transportation, such as public transportation, if it becomes clear that the person should no longer drive or should employ modifications when they drive
• Consult with friends and family of the driver about his or her abilities and how they can ensure the older adult is able to continue participating in activities that give meaning to his or her life
• Assist the person who is no longer able to drive to identify meaningful activities that do not require driving

The driving instructor may also recommend that additional behind the wheel training be provided to develop the skills necessary for safe driving.

Results

After the occupational therapy and behind-the-wheel evaluations, a recommendation is made indicating that the person is safe to drive, is not safe to drive, or would benefit from training to try and improve his or her on-the-road safety for driving.  The information learned from both the occupational therapy and behind-the-wheel evaluations is shared with the person as well as faxed to the physician. The physician can then arrange a conversation with the person before resuming or discontinuing driving.

Easy Referral Process

A physician referral and/or HMO referral and valid driver's license or instruction permit are required to participate in the Driver Evaluation Program. The clinical Occupational Therapy services are covered by most insurance.  The behind-the-wheel evaluation and training are out-of-pocket expenses.