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Achieving supportive dementia‐friendly transportation: Research to practice implications
Author(s) -
Silverstein Nina M
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.040591
Subject(s) - dementia , operationalization , perception , psychology , public transport , transport engineering , affect (linguistics) , applied psychology , business , medicine , disease , engineering , philosophy , communication , epistemology , pathology , neuroscience
Background Research has documented the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on critical driving skills (Adler, Rottunda, & Dysken, 2005; Eby et al., 2012). Impairments in driving are likely to be similar reasons that hinder use of public transit or other modes of travel. Figure 1 illustrates examples where the warning signs of AD not only present challenges to driving but also may affect the use of transportation options. Figure 2 illustrates the continuum from driver to passenger. A framework for perceiving mobility as the outcome and driving as just one mode of travel can succeed in reducing the perception of loss to the individual if models of supportive transportation are more available in practice. Method Drawing on the Dementia Friendly Calculator (Figure 3), and Silverstein and Turk (2015) interviews with transportation providers, supportive transportation is operationalized in terms of the level of assistance needed and whether transportation providers deliver that assistance. Understanding the 5As of availability, affordability, adaptability, accessibility, and acceptability led to strategies and tips for transportation providers, drivers, care partners, and the person with dementia. Results Strategies include pre‐trip checklists, passenger information; escorts to provide to the door, through the door , or stay at the destination assistance; training on communication and sensitivity in providing assistance in/out of vehicle. Conclusion Expanding the availability of supportive transportation options will enable persons with dementia to engage in their communities safely and longer throughout the disease process. References: Adler, G., Rottunda, S., & Dysken, M. (2005). The older driver with dementia: An updated literature review. Journal of Safety Research, 36 (4), 399‐407. Eby, D., Silverstein, N., Molnar,L., LeBlanc,. D., Adler, G..(2012). Driving Behaviors in Early Stage Dementia: A Study Using In‐Vehicle Technology. Accident Analysis & Prevention . Kerschner, H.K., and Silverstein, N.M. (2018). Introduction to senior transportation . Routledge, New York. Silverstein, N.M., Dickerson, A., & Schold Davis, E. (2016). Community Mobility and Dementia: The Role for Health Care Professionals in Dementia Care: An Evidence‐Based Approach , Boltz, M., & Galvin, J., Editors. Springer Publications: 123‐148. Silverstein, N., & Turk, K. Students explore supportive transportation for older adults (2015). Gerontology & Geriatrics Education/Routledge Taylor & Francis .