Promising Practices

Overview
The Older Driver Family Assistance Help Network is a partnership of experts from the fields of aging, healthcare, law enforcement, and transportation that provide information and assistance to caregivers concerned about an impaired or at-risk older driver.

Budget/Funding
Erie County's Older Driver Family Assistance Help Network budget: approximately $20,000, about 1.1% of the total agency budget.

Funding for the program is primarily from Title III D of the Older Americans Act. These funds cover the cost of the project coordinator, printing and mailing expenses, website maintenance, and publicity and outreach. Targeted funds from Titles III B and III E may be used when appropriate. Partners in the Help Network also provide in-kind contributions of staff time and talent, as well as leveraging resources to cover the costs of conferences and meetings.

Outcomes
In 2003, there were 127 calls to the Help Network number regarding older driver issues. Network partners also addressed concerns directly.

Number of hits on the Older Driver Family Assistance website:
325 hits     November 17, 2002-December 31, 2002
2047 hits    January 1, 2003-December 31, 2003
3312 hits    January 1, 2004-December 31, 2004

Role of Agency/Key Partners
The AAA serves as the convener and coordinator for the program. The agency provides a central telephone number for related inquiries, makes referrals to community agencies, and conducts publicity and outreach.

Network partners serve as resources for older driver education, evaluation, and intervention, as well as information on local transportation options available to older adults who no longer drive. They provide meeting locations, event planning and coordination, community outreach and presentations, in-reach, problem-solving talents, services for caregivers and drivers, and referrals to community agencies.