athome Provided by: Methodist Hospital
Pictured L to R: Kelina, Mary and Melissa, Driver Rehabilitation Program Driving Specialists
A
vision two years in the making
recently became reality thanks to the efforts of the Methodist Hospital Rehabilitation Center’s Occupational Therapy Department and Methodist Hospital Foundation. The hard work of both resulted in the unveiling of a new driver rehabilitation program on April 4. The program is designed to assist anyone with risks associated with driving, such as individuals with orthopedic, neurological, cognitive, or visual impairment, as well as those with diminished driving abilities due to aging. “The need for this program was brought to us by both physicians and therapy staff,” said Kelli Eaton, OTR/L, director of therapy services, wound and diabetes centers at Methodist Hospital. “Our programs focus on the skills people need to complete activities of daily living and driving is a piece of that. There are many components
Methodist Occupational Therapy Launches
Driver Rehabilitation Program
associated with driving which include, but are not limited to vision, strength, range of motion, cognition and the ability to multi-task. Driving is a habitual process and because of that, we simply don’t think we aren’t capable.” The program became a reality thanks to funding from Methodist Hospital Foundation. The vehicle, nicknamed Ruby, has been adapted with a passenger-side brake for the occupational therapist, various styles and functionality of hand controls, spinner knobs, and the ability to modify the gas and brake pedals, which are all key elements to meeting individualized needs. The program, which includes both a clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluation process, is overseen by three Methodist Hospital occupational therapists. The clinical is comprised of a battery of standardized tests that assess various skills required for safe driving. The behind-the-wheel evaluation involves driving the adaptive vehicle, progressing from low distraction situations to those that are increasingly challenging. Physician referral is required for program participation. “A person’s ability to drive shouldn’t come down to an all-or-nothing situation,” Eaton said. “Our job is to help that person work toward being able to drive safely. If they are not able to do so, then we have conversations about what we can do to adapt their daily life so they can still be active and independent.” The new program is just the third of its kind in the Omaha area and one of only 362 nationwide. According to Eaton, waiting lists for the existing programs are as long as two months. “We knew there was a real need for this program,” Eaton said. For more information call (402) 354-4605.
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readonlinenow.com May 2011
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