… Dementia Friendly Transportation Fran Carlin-Rogers Senior Transportation Consultant Orlando 10/26/151

Changes As We Age Normal age related: –Vision –Information processing –Physical Medical conditions: –Acute –Chronic –Memory Loss 10/26/152

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… 10/26/153

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+

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 10/26/156

Florida’s Demographics = – (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 7 th leading cause of death (2013 ) Source: Dept of Elder Affairs 2015 Florida County Profiles

Trends and Projections 10/26/158

Senior Transportation Availability Accessibility Acceptability Affordability Adaptability Source: Beverly Foundation Legacy Series

Florida’s Research Basis regarding Dementia Friendly Transportation 2008 study 2010 study & work products 10/26/1510

Florida Dementia Friendly Transportation Research Project 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” 10/26/1511

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 10/26/1515

You hold the keys…

Moving Down the Road Risk Management: –Communication policies –Driver education –Problem resolution practices Connect with local resources –Memory Disorder Clinic –Other transit providers 10/26/1517

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)

Helping Along the Way… Tipsheet for Transportation Providers Tips for Drivers 10/26/1520

Questions?? Comments?? Suggestions??

Presenter Information Fran Carlin-Rogers Senior Transportation Consultant Carlin Rogers Consulting Orlando, Florida