Driving Under the Influence...of Dementia (for Professional Care Partners) 

The right to drive is earned during adolescence for most people. It has a variety of social and fiscal responsibilities associated with it and allows the person a high degree of autonomy and independence. The symptoms of dementia gradually erode the person’s capacity for safe and effective vehicle maintenance and driving.  This session will focus on early indicators of risk and highlight the importance of addressing concerns in proactive and healthy ways rather than avoiding the topic or creating high risk situations.

Objectives:

1. Discuss common symptoms of dementia that impact ability to drive safely and effectively in challenging situations as well as routine journeys.
2. Discuss the value of routine evaluation of ability combined with development of alternate plans for community mobility when dementia has been identified.
3. Compare various approaches to discussion and conversations related to driving.

Continuing Education credit for this program is awarded by Commonwealth Educational Seminars (CES) for the following professions:

Nurses:  As an American Psychological Association approved provider CES programs are accepted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Every state Board of Nursing accepts ANCC approved programs except California and Iowa, however CES is also an approved Continuing Education provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, (Provider Number CEP15567) which is also accepted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Nurses completing this program receive 1.0 CE hour of credit.

Social Workers: CES, provider #1117, is approved as a Provider for Social Work Continuing Education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. CES maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 10/5/15 through 10/5/18. Social Workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social Workers participating in this course will receive 1.0 clinical continuing education clock hour.