White Plains, NY - “Keys to Safe Driving” is a series of five, free programs to be presented by Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) during Older Driver Safety Week from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9.

The sessions are sponsored by the department’s Older Driver Coalition. Each will explore concerns of older drivers, risk factors and steps that older drivers and their families should take to ensure safety. The programs will also discuss the sensitive subject of when it is time to stop driving, and what alternative transportation services are available if a senior does decide to relinquish the keys.

Occupational therapy students from Mercy College will discuss adaptive devices that seniors can use for comfort and safety as well as medically based driving evaluations. Medical evaluations are sometimes needed if a senior is recovering from a stroke and wants to drive again.

The students will also discuss CarFit, a program where professionals do a 20-minute check about how well the senior and their vehicle work together. CarFit was created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association and AARP.

The evening program on Dec. 8 is specifically recommended for family caregivers. It will give special focus to how caregivers can realize when it’s time for their loved one to no longer drive. Caregivers will learn what patterns to look for, such as a pattern of dents or scratches on the car.  It will also offer tips on how caregivers can ease the transition for their loved one when they must stop driving.

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino said it is essential that seniors know what to do behind the wheel to drive safely to protect both themselves and others.

“This special program shows them how to do just that,” Astorino said. “I encourage seniors and their families to take part.”

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said that being able to drive enables seniors to get out and prevents isolation.  “But when it becomes time for seniors to stop driving, these wonderful programs tell families in a sensitive way how to help their loved ones relinquish their keys,” Carpenter said.  “Then they can focus on finding alternate ways for the seniors to get around and remain active in their communities.”

Seniors and their families can attend as many sessions as they wish. Pre-registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Sign up individually for each program by calling the telephone number listed with each day’s program as listed:

Monday, Dec. 5
City of White Plains Recreation and Parks Community Center,  65 Mitchell Place, White Plains,  1 p.m. – 2 p.m.  – (914) 422-1423 . Kathleen Golisz, OTR, OTD, will facilitate along with Happy Thampikutty, a Mercy College occupational therapy student.

Tuesday, Dec. 6
Rye Recreation, 281 Midland Ave. Rye, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Janet O’Neill, Director, (914) 967-2535, Golisz will facilitate along with OT students Deanna Brandi and Faith Williams.

Wednesday, Dec. 7
ugh A. Doyle Senior Center, 94 Davis Ave., New Rochelle,  1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Phyllis Maucieri, Director – (914) 235-2365. Beverly Carter, DM, DSPS’ liaison to the Older Driver Coalition, will facilitate along with OT student Joon Y. Lee. Lawrence Cunningham from Westchester County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation will be available to help seniors sign up for the MTA’s Reduced Fare MetroCard.

Thursday, Dec. 8
Atria Woodlands, 1017 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The evening program will be of special interest to family caregivers.  Barbara Pearson, (914) 693-7700. Sue Groppe, GCM/OTR, will facilitate with Geri Brooks from White Plains Hospital Senior Services. OT student Megan Grabowski will only be present at the evening session.

Friday, Dec. 9
The Center at Lake Isle, 660 White Plains Road, Eastchester,  12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m., Norah Rossi , Director, (914) 337-0390. Anna Wyganowska will facilitate with OT students Joon H. Lee and Kristina Szatkowski.  Cunningham from the county’s Department of Public Works and Transportation will be available to help seniors sign up for the MTA’s Reduced Fare MetroCard.