Maintain Your Independence
Improve Your Safety
Keep Your Relationships Healthy!
Driver Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy in
Eastern North Dakota and Western Minnesota
My kids want to take my car away!
They tell me they see scrapes or dents on the car, but I don’t know how they got there.
I plan my route beforehand, so I don’t have to make any left-hand turns.
People are yelling at me and honking their horns more – they just drive way too fast!
I told the police officer that I didn’t see the stop sign because of the sun, but I just didn’t notice it.
My family wants me to move!
I sleep in the recliner because it is too hard to get in and
out of bed.
They tell me I’m not eating well, but I am afraid to use
the stove.
Sure, I’ve fallen a few times – I didn’t really think too much about it until I broke my hip.
I take sponge baths because I get nervous getting in and out of the shower.
Can you relate to this?
There is no question that as we age, we start to experience changes in our health and function in general.
Your first thought is that you’ll need to give up the important things to you – your home, car, and independence.
But I have good news! With some education, training, and modifications in your routine, you MAY be able to keep driving and remain in your home longer!
The following examples are how some of my clients have benefited from working with me at Dak-Minn Driving and Home Evaluations!
Ben* has diabetes.
Due to complications, he had to have his right lower leg amputated.
Ben still works and needs to be able to drive to his job to support his family.
As a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, I trained Ben to use and drive with a left foot accelerator.
Within just a few sessions, he regained the ability to drive and returned to being the “breadwinner”!
Denise* was recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia.
She and her family were concerned about her overall safety as her disease progresses because she lives alone.
Would she be able to continue to drive? How would she get to church?
After an initial evaluation of Denise’s cognitive and physical status, I determined that while she still demonstrated good physical and visual abilities, her scores indicated Mild Cognitive Impairment.
She is aware that her overall function will continue to decline. Still, we have already scheduled re-evaluations at regular intervals so that with my help, she will continue to feel responsible, safe, and free to live her life on her terms for as long as possible.
Sam* had a stroke last summer.
Since then, he’s had problems using his left arm and leg, as well as some visual deficiencies on that side.
Sam has driven his entire life and didn’t want to lose this independence, but he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to go again!
He also had concerns about being able to do things at home since his stroke.
As a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, I performed a Comprehensive Driving Evaluation – assessing Sam’s cognition, range of motion, vision, and reaction time. We then tried different types of adaptive equipment to see what would work best for his situation.
I trained him to use a cross-over turn signal, spinner knob, and panoramic rearview mirror, and soon Sam was back out on the road and meeting the guys for morning coffee!
As an Occupational Therapist, I also performed a Home Safety Evaluation for Sam and suggested some simple changes like removing throw rugs, using a bath chair, and installing a bed-rail, all of which made his life safer and more accessible!
Melanie* was in an accident this summer and is now a paraplegic.
After going through extensive inpatient therapy, she was ready to return home but was concerned about adjusting back to living alone.
I was able to do a Home Safety Evaluation and make some recommendations for an outdoor ramp to enter the home and a bathroom remodel to provide a roll-in shower.
As a result, Melanie was able to get peace of mind and make the transition to living at home without any problems.
I also worked with Melanie for training to use hand controls in a modified vehicle to regain her independent community
by driving again!
*Names changed to protect client confidentiality.
Hi, I’m Joy!
I have a passion for helping people maintain or regain their independence!
When you schedule a session with me, you can be assured that you will get personalized, one-on-one attention.
Instead of traveling to Grand Forks or Fargo for your driving evaluation, I will meet you in your home environment, where you are most comfortable.
My goal is to keep you independent and safe for as long as possible! I know how important it is to keep autonomy.
Together, let’s keep you happy and healthy, at home and on the road!
Live Life on Your Own Terms
I am excited to keep you traveling on a safe and independent path.
Call me at (701) 330-4445 for a quick phone consult to learn how I can specifically help you!