Press Release
Senior Care Authority of the Lowcountry, in conjunction with Somerby Mt Pleasant, is proud to present “Beyond Driving with Dignity,” a two-day event featuring guest speaker and program founder Matt Gurwell.
On April 26th, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at Somerby Mt Pleasant, Gurwell will present “Adults with Aging Parent Drivers,” a presentation designed for concerned family members, caregivers, and loved ones of senior drivers. This event will provide a roadmap to help address the driving issue with tact, compassion, and empathy so that the older driver’s dignity and independence are never unnecessarily jeopardized.
The following day April 27th 2023, from 2 pm – 4 pm at Somerby Mt Pleasant, Gurwell will present an event entitled “Driving Under The Influence of Dementia.” This is a continuing education event (CEU) for South Carolina nurses, case managers, social workers, and other industry professionals who are welcome to attend. This one-hour presentation focuses on the role dementia, memory, and executive functioning play in older driver safety. Supported by current-day, real-life examples as well as academic studies, the presentation shows the correlation between cognitive decline and older driver safety.
“My goal in hosting these events is to foster awareness around senior driving especially as it relates to cognitive decline,” explains Renee Allison-Riley, CSA®, CDP, area owner of Senior Care Authority of the Lowcountry. “Obviously, age alone is not a reason for a senior to retire from driving, but there are many age-related issues that could impact someone’s ability to drive safely. I want to educate families who have concerns about a loved one’s driving abilities and provide them with resources to assist them. In addition to educating families, the continuing education event that I am offering for case managers/social workers is a way to empower those in the medical and eldercare community with more information on this sensitive topic as well as a solution that they can share with the seniors and families that they serve.”
Matt Gurwell, a retired Ohio State Trooper, has been working in the field of senior driving for over 15 years and his presentations are highly informative and engaging. He believes that addressing aging parent drivers should always be done with respect for their rights and dignity. His insights into dementia-related driving issues offer much-needed guidance during what can be a very difficult time for families. “Working with seniors at risk behind the wheel is my passion,” said Gurwell. “I believe that every adult deserves to drive safely as long as possible while being treated fairly.”
The events are hosted by Senior Care Authority of the Lowcountry in conjunction with Somerby Mt Pleasant. There is no cost to attend these events, but space is limited. If interested, please RSVP to Renee Allison-Riley at renee@seniorcareauthority.com by April 21st, 2023. Events will be held on the 2nd floor at Somerby Mt Pleasant, 3100 Tradition Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.
Please visit https://www.seniorcareauthority.com/locations/charleston-sc/ f or more information about the Beyond Driving with Dignity program.
