Carol J. Hawthorne, OT-RL

Driving and Community Mobility Occupational Therapist

Ms. Carol J. Hawthorne is a Driving and Community Mobility Occupational Therapist in Palo Alto, CA with special training and skill in enabling participation in daily activities. As a Driving and Community Mobility Occupational Therapist, Carol J. Hawthorne, OT-RL performs services for patients of all ages in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Driving and Community Mobility Occupational Therapy is the assessment and improvement of conditions that hinder patients' driving skills and ability to travel around their community safely. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Driving and Community Mobility Occupational Therapists include visual disorders, developmental disabilities, injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Driving and Community Mobility Occupational Therapists include patient evaluation, driving education, strength and motion restoration, and alternative transportation planning.

Occupational therapists can optimize and prolong an older driver's ability to drive safely and ease the transition to other forms of transportation if driving cessation becomes necessary. By identifying strengths as well as physical or cognitive challenges, occupational therapists can evaluate an individual's overall ability to operate a vehicle safely and recommend assistive devices or behavioral changes to limit risks. Occupational therapy practitioners offer a continuum of services related to community mobility, from evaluation of driving performance, through counseling and support for lifestyle changes, to maintaining independence and quality of life.