SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – It is a fact of life that people grow older every day. With increasing age come changes in physical, mental, and sensory abilities that can challenge a person's continued ability to drive safely. In western Nebraska, assistance is available to determine one’s ability to safely drive a vehicle.

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 old 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 recognition of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Regional West encourages seniors and their families to consider a safe driving assessment to identify individuals’ unique challenges and find strategies to help them maintain the freedom to drive.

In addition, Regional West occupational therapists offer an adaptive driving program for persons who have undergone physical changes due to medical reasons. Clinic 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 about safe driving assessment, contact Theresa Olson, OTR/L at 308-630-1355 or email her at theresa.olson@rwmc.net.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center, Regional West Physicians Clinic and Regional West Garden County. These organizations, with over 1,900 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.