… Dementia Friendly Transportation

Fran Carlin-Rogers

Senior Transportation Consultant

Orlando

10/26/15

Changes As We Age

• Normal age related:– Vision– Information processing– Physical

• Medical conditions:– Acute– Chronic– Memory Loss

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Transitioning from Driving

Most older adults modify driving behavior voluntarily, but…..– Some not soon enough– Some too soon– Some in the wrong

way…Continued mobility is key…

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Dementia

• Progressive dementia is:– Gradual– Variable– Unpredictable

• Demonstrates loss of insight– Changes are occurring– Underestimates complexity– Overestimates abilities

Dementia

• NOT a normal part of aging• After age 65, risk doubles every five

years (NIA)

• At 85+,risk is almost 50% (Alz Assn)

• Alzheimer’s is most frequent type: 60% of all dementias in persons 65+

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Warning Signals

• Memory Loss• Difficulty performing tasks• Problems with language• Disorientation to time &

place• Poor or decreased

judgement

Source: Florida study, 2008

• Problems with abstract thinking

• Misplacing things• Changes in mood or

behaviors• Change in personality• Loss of initiative

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Florida’s Demographics 2015

• 60+=– (4.9 M) 24.8% – 28.6% of licensed drivers

• 1.135,308 M live alone

• 65+ = 18.5%• 85+ = 2.6 %

• 496,013 probable dementia (projection )

• Alzheimer’s is 7th leading cause of death (2013)

Source: Dept of Elder Affairs 2015 Florida County Profiles

Trends and Projections

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Senior Transportation

• Availability• Accessibility• Acceptability• Affordability• Adaptability

Source: Beverly Foundation Legacy Series

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Florida’s Research Basis regarding Dementia Friendly Transportation

• 2008 study• 2010 study &

work products

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Florida Dementia Friendly Transportation Research Project 2008

2008

• Statewide survey of transit providers & aging network

• Review of best practices nationally• Development of tip sheets

– Paid & volunteer driver programs– Family members

• Establishment of definition of “Dementia Friendly Transportation”

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Dementia Friendly Transportation

“Going beyond senior friendliness, a transportation service that

considers the special needs of passengers with all stages of

memory loss”

Project Overview 2010

• Research forums:– 4 communities

• Urban/ suburban/rural• Hispanic family group

– Professionals– Family/friends– Vetting of new resource tools

• Literature review• Best practices

Summary of 2010 Project Findings

• Families & professionals struggle with the issue

• Tip sheets supported as useful tools• Divergent viewpoints among professionals

& family members• Particular concerns for seniors living alone

Florida’s Policy Initiatives

• Lost on Foot• Dementia Care

& Cure

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You hold the keys…

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Moving Down the Road

• Risk Management:– Communication policies– Driver education– Problem resolution practices

• Connect with local resources– Memory Disorder Clinic– Other transit providers

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Service Policy Considerations for Persons with Dementia

• Availability: – Provides service to persons with dementia– Service can be reached

• Acceptability:– Trains drivers & orients riders/family – Mainstreams persons with dementia with other riders

• Accessibility:– Can provide assistance to identify destinations– Can provide assistance beyond the curb

Service Policy Considerations (2)

• Adaptability:– Adapt service level to met needs of riders with

dementia– Can link to other services when transition is

needed• Affordability:

– Does not require riders to handle money– Allows escorts to ride at no charge

Adapted from Beverly Foundation Legacy Series (Transportation & Dementia)

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Helping Along the Way…

• Tipsheet for Transportation Providers

• Tips for Drivers

10/26/15

Questions?? Comments?? Suggestions??

Presenter Information

Fran Carlin-Rogers

Senior Transportation Consultant

Carlin Rogers Consulting

Orlando, Florida

fcr201@aol.com 407 422 0991