SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month, former Nebraska State Highway patrolman Chuck Elley will join Regional West occupational therapists in offering valuable information to senior drivers at a special presentation on Thursday, April 30 in the Regional West Medical Plaza South Rehab Center King Rooms.

Occupational therapists at Regional West’s Rehab Center are trained to evaluate a person's overall ability to operate a vehicle safely. They offer individualized assessment and work with seniors, their families, and caregivers, to provide rehabilitation that will allow older drivers the ability to continue to drive safely. Mobility and access to transportation are vital to ensuring older adults remain active in the community through shopping, working or volunteering.

In addition, Regional West occupational therapists offer an adaptive driving program for persons who have undergone physical changes due to medical conditions. Clinical and behind-the-wheel training is available, using a car that is equipped with hand controls, a left foot accelerator attachment, and a safety/training brake.

For more information, contact Theresa Olson, OTR/L at 308-630-1355 or email her at theresa.olson@rwhs.org.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. The trauma program includes Air Link air ambulance service, which is fully accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.