Are you or your loved one living with dementia? Retired from driving or considering retiring in the future? Needing support?
The University of Queensland is investigating ways to support people living with dementia and their care partners prepare and adjust to life without driving. Driving represents more than just a mode of transport from point A to point B, it also represents independence and freedom to many people. People living with dementia may need, or choose, to stop driving. Driving cessation can result in less social interactions and negative impacts on mood, and therefore professional support is often sought after. Some examples of challenges that people face include not knowing when to stop driving, uncertainty around alternative transport options available, and how to stay involved in valued activities without driving.
Researchers at the University of Queensland are now recruiting in Western Australia for the “Living with Dementia and Driving Study,” which is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. The study is for people living with dementia, who have retired from driving or are considering retiring from driving in the future.
As part of the study, participants will have the opportunity to receive the CarFreeMe program. The CarFreeMe program is a comprehensive and individualised support and education program which has been developed to assist people with the transition to life without driving. There are no costs to participate and there are no driving tests involved. The program includes obtaining information about the person’s needs relating to getting around their community, providing education and support from a trained health professional, finding solutions to getting around without driving, and trialling different transport options. Care partners are also invited to participate in the study and receive the CarFreeMe program. More information about the program can be found at www.carfreeme.com.au.
The “Living with Dementia and Driving Study” is important as it will help researchers and health professionals better understand and reach the practical and emotional needs of people living with dementia and their family while they transition to not driving.
There will be a “UQ – CarFreeMe Program” stand at the Care and Ageing Well Expo on the 30th and 31st July at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, where you can find out more information about the study.
To participate, or for any questions regarding the study, please contact Shelby Carruth, who is the research technician located in Perth.
Phone number: 0410 043 265
Email: s.carruth@uq.edu.au.
You can also contact the project Coordinator (Donna Rooney) or the chief investigator of the study (Dr Theresa Scott):
Donna Rooney; 07 3365 6392; donna.rooney@uq.edu.au
Theresa Scott; 07 3365 6723; Theresa.scott@uq.edu.au
