Dementia explained Dementia is an umbrella term that is used to describe general loss of cognitive functioning characterized by decreased memory, behavioural changes, loss of problem-solving, decision-making and language skills. It is caused when brain cells become damaged. A diagnosis of dementia is applied when the symptoms are severe enough that the person’s daily functioning [...]
Purpose of the on-road assessment This article follows the previous article the “off-road assessment explained”. As mentioned in this preceding article, an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment is divided into two components; the off-road and on-road components. Each section lasts 1 hour. Our previous post was about the theoretical side of the Occupational Therapy driving assessment. This [...]
Introduction to Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments In NSW, if a person has been diagnosed with a medical condition, disability or serious injury that possibly affects their capacity to operate a vehicle, they may need to undergo an Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment. While this is not well known, the primary responsibility to let the RMS know [...]
What is a driver trained OT? On a daily basis, many people undertake the crucial task of driving. Driving is an activity that allows people to fulfil activities that are important to them and gives them freedom of travel and access their community. This can range from fulfilling employment or educational obligations, social engagements [...]
Worker injuries Although employers these days must meet work health and safety standards to minimise workplace risks to their employees, injuries still occur in the workplace. Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that approximately half a million Australians suffered a work-related injury or illness between 2017-2018. That means that almost [...]
Autism Autism is a lifelong medical condition that is categorized as a developmental disorder. This means that the person generally develops and reaches developmental milestones behind peers of similar age. Autism often impacts how the person understands, engages and interacts with people around them and their environment. The severity and characteristics of the condition [...]
Driving goals The ability to drive increases a person’s independence, community integration and enhances their options to engage in meaningful tasks. This includes enhancing opportunities for social, recreational, employment and education activities. Since the introduction of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) across Australia in 2016, it has given people with medical conditions and disabilities greater opportunity [...]
Every year, approximately 1000 people lose their lives on Australian roads (source: National Road Safety). As Australians travel everyday, it can be easy to take road safety for granted. In most motor vehicle accidents, the incident was preventable and people could have taken measures to avoid the accident. Therefore, it is important that every driver [...]
Dementia background Although dementia is a serious illness, dementia often does not harmfully influence a person’s driving skills until its later stages. Thus, even if a driver has been diagnosed with dementia, they can often still continue to drive for some time. Like any other medical condition, the way dementia affects driving differs between individuals. However, the earlier [...]
