car conversions & equipment
impact of not driving under the spotlight
An innovative new health program , CarFreeMe , is helping to address the needs of people who have sustained complex trauma injuries and are unable to drive .
Each year more than 2,400 Australians sustain a moderate or severe traumatic injury , with 136 becoming quadriplegic and another 137 left paraplegic . The impact of these trauma injuries ( TI ) are often lifelong , and a significant number of people are left unable to return to driving .
Loss of independence from not driving can lead to poorer physical and mental health outcomes and reduced community participation , says Flinders University Associate Professor Stacey George , who is running ‘ CarFreeMe TI ’ clinical trials in Adelaide .
“ We are looking for participants in 2017 to trial the new Lifetime Support Authority-funded CarFreeMe TI program to assist with their transition and to improve their outlook and lifestyle ,” says Associate Professor George .
“ Many people experience a great sense of loss when they are unable to drive , and the group also explores ways to deal with these feelings , like using mediation and mindfulness .
“ We evaluate the group using GPS devices and surveys , and we have received excellent feedback from people involved in the group so far .”
Occupational therapist Mrs Amy Nussio , who facilitates the South Australian program , would like to hear from participants who live in the metro Adelaide region for a program due to start in late June .
Mrs Nussio says the sessions will address the emotional and practical issues associated with not driving .
CarFreeMe groups are available to people living in the community who have sustained a trauma injury , such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury . Family members are also encouraged to attend .
“ Group members share their stories and learn from each other , as well as receiving education on alternative transport options ,” Mrs Nussio says .
“ We go on an outing using public transport and invite guest speakers from places like the Red Cross Transport Service .”
If you are interested in finding out more about CarFreeMe TI , please contact Amy Nussio on 0431 500 895 or email amy . nussio @ sa . gov . au
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