Arthritis

• is a progressive disease that involves chronic inflammation of one or more joints
• has many possible causes and there are over 100 kinds
• osteoarthritis is the most common variety of arthritis in the United States. This form of the disease results from years of accumulated ‘wear and tear’ on joints and tends to occur in the hips, knees and finger joints of the elderly.

Potential Deficit Areas

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Warmth and/or redness around the joint
• Reduced ability to move the joint
• Gradually declining movement and functional ability

Impact on Driving/Transportation

• A modified vehicle, wheelchair stowage lift or transfer seat may be needed for a person who now requires a scooter or wheelchair for mobility or has difficulty transferring into an unmodified vehicle
• Protecting the joints while transferring into a vehicle, while driving and while operating primary and secondary controls is important
• Adaptive driving equipment can allow the person to compensate for an impaired ability to reach or operate primary and secondary driving controls
• Prior to driving with adaptive equipment, the person will need a driving evaluation (www.aded.net)

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

• Wheelchair or scooter stowage lift
• Transfer seat
• Lowered floor minivan or full size van with a lift