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Meeting the Driving and Community Mobility Needs of Older Adults

Meeting the Driving and Community Mobility Needs of Older Adults
Wendy Stav, PhD, OTR/L, SCDCM, FAOTA
April 5, 2016
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Driving and Community Mobility

The first thing we need to consider is how we classify driving, and how we look at driving. According to the AOTA's practice framework, driving is classified as an IADL. The specific title of the occupation is Driving in Community Mobility. The exact definition is listed here is:

Planning and moving around in the community, and using public or private transportation, such as driving, walking, bicycling or accessing and riding in buses, taxi cabs or other transportation systems. 

AOTA, 2014, p. S19

It is not just about driving. It is how our clients are able to move about in the community using whatever mode of mobility or transportation is appropriate for them, and their setting, and their abilities.

Another important way that we think about driving in community mobility is that it is considered an occupation enabler. While it does allow us to get from point A to point B, to travel within the community, it also facilitates participation in lots of other areas of occupation (AOTA, 2010; Stav & Lieberman, 2008). If I can drive or be mobile in the community, that means I can get to the grocery store, I can get to work, I can get to my volunteer position, my doctor visits, I can go socialize with friends, have dinner out, get to the golf course or wherever I need to go.

When you consider all the occupations that OTs address, driving and community mobility is really a conduit to all those different areas of occupation. The only area that driving and community mobility probably does not affect is ADLs because we tend to take care of our self-care within our own homes. We do not have to get out into the community to do that. It is an all-encompassing occupation even though it is a community specialty practice area.

Importance of Driving

I also want you to consider the importance of driving. It is so enmeshed in our lives and in society that we really do not even think about it anymore. It has really just become a given. It has been said that driving is so enmeshed in the social and technical aspects of society that is has literally changed society. If we think about 200 years ago on how we engaged with each other, and where we lived, and how far away from home we worked, life is now completely different because we are mobile in the community.

 

wendy stav

Wendy Stav, PhD, OTR/L, SCDCM, FAOTA

Wendy B. Stav, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA received a BS in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University and a PhD in occupational therapy from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a specialty certification in driving and community mobility.  For more than 20 years her work has focused on driving and community mobility with involvement at the state and national levels include AOTA’s Older Driver Initiative, co-authorship of AOTA official documents, book chapters, and articles, and collaboration with the American Medical Association, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator’s Older Driver Working Group. Dr. Stav was named to the AOTA Roster of Fellows in 2009 for her contributions to the advancement of driving and community mobility practice and received the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association Award of Merit for similar contributions to driving rehabilitation practice.  In recent years her scholarship has explored occupation-centered practice including contribution to a model of occupation-based practice, clinic makeover studies to enhance occupation-centered practice, and development of an assessment to measure occupation in practice.



Related Courses

Optimizing Mobility And Community Engagement For Older Clients
Presented by Wendy Stav, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Video
Course: #5821Level: Intermediate2 Hours
The occupation of driving and community mobility among older adults experiencing the health effects of aging and age-related illnesses are reviewed in this course. The roles, responsibilities, and professional skills of occupational therapy practitioners are explained to optimize mobility and community engagement for older clients.

Supporting Pediatric Engagement In Community Mobility
Presented by Wendy Stav, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
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Course: #5842Level: Intermediate2 Hours
Community mobility concerns and approaches for children and communities to support safe independent mobility throughout the community are reviewed in this course. The course will focus on multiple modes of mobility, including child passenger safety, bicycle and pedestrian travel, and transition to driving.

Occupation-Centered Practice
Presented by Wendy Stav, PhD, OTR/L, SCDCM, FAOTA
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Course: #4521Level: Introductory1 Hour
This course reviews the origins and value of occupation as a therapeutic approach in occupational therapy practice. The elements of occupation-centered practice are identified with examples of execution to optimize the use of occupation in practice.

Home Assessment And Modifications For Aging In Place
Presented by Lee Lohrentz, MS, OTR, Dustin Drath, MS, OTR/L
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Course: #5663Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Home modification success depends on a well-thought-out home assessment. Using the PEO model, you can determine the correct modifications for each individual within their home. Secondary factors of building codes, the feasibility of construction, and cost-effectiveness also need to be considered to make sure each modification is safe and effective.

Continued Conversations, The CE Podcast: OT's Role in Medication Management
Presented by Fawn Carson, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, Nika Ball, MOT, OTR/L, ATP
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Course: #4408Level: Introductory1 Hour
Dr. Fawn Carson and Nika Ball review assessment and intervention of medication management with an overview of research, intervention strategies, resources, and case studies.

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