Program to explore senior transportation resources

Senior transportation will be the topic of discussion at the Keys to Senior Transportation Resource Fair, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bloomfield Township Center located at 4315 Andover in Bloomfield Township. "This wonderful resource fair will provide individuals and their families with strategies and information regarding technology that will enhance the capabilities of older drivers. In addition, a pharmacist will provide a valuable program relating to how medications can affect driving skills. A number if vendors will be present who feature transportation options for those who no longer drive themselves," stated, Oakland County Commissioner Kathy Crawford. For many years, Crawford has continued to be an advocate for senior issues and is currently serving as the chair of the Oak65 Transportation Committee which is one of the six Oakland County Senior Planning Coalition Committees. Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub, an advocate for seniors and former host of the Senior Show, encourages residents to come to the event stating, "This informative event will provide a wealth of valuable information for the entire community. An actual car simulation providing a driver's test for seniors to see how they handle the road will be offered as well as information about alternative transportation services." The free event will focus on topics ranging from understanding the impact of medication and driving to a trained team of technicians working to make certain that participants fit in their cars properly. These special features are provided courtesy of AAA of Michigan, which will provide the Carfit demonstration and medical experts offering advice on medication and driving. An array of exhibitors including Beaumont Hospital's Driver Rehabilitation, Traffic Improvement Association, SMART, Visiting Physicians, Homescrips.com and many others will be on hand to share valuable information at this event. Light refreshments will be served and registration is strongly encouraged. To register, call 248-723-3500. Bloomfield Township Commissioners Shelley Goodman Taub, David Potts and Marcia Gershenson support this event and join Crawford to welcome everyone to the Keys to Senior Transportation Resource Fair. This event is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, Bloomfield Township Senior Center, Homescrips.com, Jewish Family Services, Oakland County Board of Commissioners and Visiting Nurses. OAK65 was created by Oakland County Senior Planning Coalition, in Conjunction with Oakland County Commissioner Helaine Zack, as a blueprint for action with the establishment of the following six volunteer driven planning committees: Economic Impact, Social Services, Housing, Transportation, Health and Active Lifestyles. These committees provide recommendations to address the challenges facing seniors in Oakland County to the Senior Planning Coalition. Published: Fri, Sep 9, 2011