This week, Keeping Us Safe unveiled a new program titled "Clergy and the Older Driver". The program was sponsored by the Benjamin Rose Institute and received a very positive response from those in attendance. The seminar was designed for all denominations and for all religions.
This unique 2-hour workshop was developed in response to inquiries from the religious community to provide them with additional tools and a roadmap for how to more appropriately address the complex and sensitive issues surrounding the safety of older drivers.
As many can attest, the power of spirituality can play a vital role in helping older adults in their quest to make successful life transitions as a direct result of the aging process. As well, the role of the clergy can be paramount in helping the older driver make a smooth transition from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat.
Topics addressed in the workshop include:
• Identifying areas of concern involving older drivers
• Keeping older drivers safe by assisting in the development of attainable lifestyle changes (as needed)
• Early intervention tools for identifying signs of decline in an older driver’s skills
• Understanding methods to intercede or to provide appropriate direction to concerned family members
• Ensure that the self-worth and personal independence of the older driver is never un-necessarily placed in jeopardy
• Introduction to a comprehensive list of low and no-cost resources, available not only to members of the clergy, but also to the older driver and their respective families.
In addition to the outstanding accommodations and refreshments provided by the Benjamin Rose Institute, the morning also served as an excellent fellowship and networking event.
The valuable partnership that exists between clergy professionals and Keeping Us Safe is critical in helping to keep older drivers, safe drivers. By continuing to develop this partnership, we can help make our communities safer places to live, work and recreate for everyone!
If you would like to learn more about this exciting program, or how to have it brought to your area, please visit the Keeping Us Safe website, or call us toll-free at 877-907-8841.
Matt Gurwell
Founder & CEO
Keeping Us Safe
877-907-8841
info@keepingussafe.org
Twitter: @keepingussafe
Matt Gurwell is the developer of the nationally-recognized “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program. He currently lectures throughout the United States on topics related to the aging process and its adverse affects on driving skills. As developer of this life-saving program, Matt’s mission is to provide strategies and guidance to seniors that will help them to continue driving safely until the decision is made to retire from their driving career. The “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program also provides an excellent array of services and resources for both families and professionals as they deal with this very sensitive issue. Matt retired from a very distinguished and successful 24-year career as an Assistant District Commander with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. After leaving the Patrol, Matt has participated in a tremendous amount of work in the area of older driver research, best practices, current vehicle safety technologies, and adaptive equipment. Matt's creative, innovative and common sense approach, combined with his uncanny ability to bring calm and resolve to stressful situations without ever jeopardizing the dignity of others, has contributed greatly to the success of the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program. When asked what the ultimate motivation was for starting the program, Matt explains: "There was never one particular event. It was the result of 20-plus years of holding dying people in my arms at terrible car accidents, and delivering dozens and dozens of death notifications to families. I would much rather work with families to bring a peaceful resolve to this sensitive and uncomfortable issue now, rather than have them deal with it when a State Trooper is knocking on their front door". Matt serves as Senior Care Authority’s Program Director for the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program. Senior Care Authority (https://www.seniorcareauthority.com) is now the nation’s exclusive provider of the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program.
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