U of M Seeks Participants for Driving Retirement and Memory Loss Program

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

A common struggle for family members of older individuals who are beginning to exhibit memory challenges is the discussion regarding stopping driving or “driving retirement.” CarFreeMe is a program for people with memory loss living in Minnesota who are considering retiring from driving or are acclimating to driving retirement. Information is available for anyone interested in participating in the program and study.

CarFreeMe is studying the effects of a coaching and educational program to support people who have memory concerns who are considering or adjusting to driving retirement. The CarFreeMe intervention aims to share strategies for decision-making and information on alternate transportation options for adapting to driving retirement in order to promote independence and well-being.

The U of M School of Public Health is evaluating “CarFreeMe,” an 8-session educational program that takes place on a weekly basis over a 3 month period. This program includes web video conferencing and/or phone based conversations with a trained facilitator. Each session lasts about an hour. As part of the study, the University will ask participants to complete baseline, 1-month, and 3-month surveys. They will also ask participants to conduct a brief interview after 3 months to determine how useful the CarFreeMe program was to them. Each participant will be paid $25 after completion of each survey and post-intervention interview for a total of $100. More information is available on their WEBSITE .