CarFitLogoLocal assisted living facility Care Nursing and Rehab will host a CarFit program for seniors and offer free blood pressure checks in honor of National Senior Citizens’ Day on Wednesday, August 21st.  The public is invited to attend this free event.

The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Care Nursing and Rehab, which is located at 200 County Road 616 in Brownwood.

According to Jodie Armstrong, Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Admissions and Marketing Coordinator, CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on aging, and developed in collaboration with AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association.  The program has the following goals:

  • Help older drivers improve the “fit” of their vehicles for safety and comfort
  • Promote conversations among older adults and families about driving safely and the continued need for mobility options to keep people participating in the life of their communities
  • Link adults with relevant, local resources that can help ensure they drive safely longer.

Trained teams, including occupational therapy practitioners, to assist with training such as:

  • A clear line of sight over the steering wheel
  • Adequate space between the front air bag/steering wheel and the driver’s breastbone: properly adjusted head restraints
  • Proper positioning on gas and brake pedals
  • Proper seat belt use and fit, and safe positioning of mirrors to minimize blind spots.

The 20-minute intervention not only provides an opportunity to open a positive, non-threatening conversation about driver to vehicle fit, but it also provides specific community resources to help older drivers stay healthy and continue to drive for as long as safely possible.

Care Nursing & Rehab staff will be on hand to give free blood pressure checks and will offer a blood pressure record keeper.  There will also be indoor entertainment at 2:00 p.m. provided by the Wild Bunch from Coleman.

For more information call Jodie Armstrong at 325-642-0363.