Assessing the Driving Ability of the Elderly: A Preliminary Investigation

Summary

This much-needed book explores the extensive literature on assessing the driving ability of the elderly and provides specific guidelines for practitioners working with the well and the frail older driver. As the number of elderly drivers increases, therapists are being called upon to evaluate drivers who have become physically, cognitively, or otherwise impaired but who wish to continue to drive. Motor vehicle departments are not always equipped to screen out potential hazardous drivers nor are other health professionals with only brief opportunities to assess function.

This timely book features preliminary research studies of vital interest to occupational therapists on the driving ability of the elderly. Assessing the Driving Ability of the Elderly provides a general overview of the literature on elderly drivers; reports the results of 21 screening instruments that test older persons visual, motor, and cognitive abilities related to driving; and examines the usefulness of a self-administered driving questionnaire and daily diary as a method of screening individuals for deficits that may affect driving performance. All instruments developed for these studies are included in this groundbreaking book.

Table of Contents

Contents Introduction

• Driving and the Elderly: A Review of the Literature
• Elderly Drivers’ Perceptions of Their Driving Abilities Compared to Their Functional Visual Perception Skills and Their Actual Driving Performance
• Elderly Drivers’ Perceptions of Their Driving Abilities Compared to Their Functional Motor Skills and Their Actual Driving Performance
• Elderly Drivers’ Perceptions of Their Driving Abilities Compared to Their Cognitive Skills and Driving Performance
• General Appendix
• Self Monitoring of Driving for the Elderly: Evidence for Use of a Driving Diary
• Combined Bibliography