10 Apr 2026
#19: Driving Retirement: When and How to Talk About It
Ope, we're back! Sorry for our lil hiatus as Patty was getting used to her new job. Well guess what? We did NOT hold back this episode. We talked with Geriatrician Dr. Emily Morgan on when to assess and communication tips, Occupational Therapist/certified driving rehab specialist Marisa Palandri for a backseat look on how driving rehab sessions work, and Social Worker Tessa Garcia McEwen on more communication tips for anticipated detours and possible potpholes, with how to have transportation replacement at the ready. We know that this is a gnarly topic because state guidelines differ, but we feel that it's important to have these ready to go for all patients.
Disclaimer: Don't take any medical advice from this podcast . Always consult with your own physician on your medical decisions, and this podcast is not affiliated with any universities. Thoughts and views are our own.
Guest Bios:
Emily Morgan, MD is a graduate of Oregon Health and Science University Medical School, where she stayed on to complete her internal medicine residency, followed by a fellowship in geriatrics. She is currently an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at OHSU where she has a geriatric primary care practice. In addition to her outpatient work, she is the head of the OHSU Internal Medicine Post-Acute and Long-term Care (PALTC) team and is Medical Director of Mirabella Portland PALTC. Her research focus is on improving geriatrics care in primary care and PALTC settings.
Marisa Palandri, OT, CDRS completed her undergraduate degree at Portland State University and earned her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University in 2011. Since then, she has worked for Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, helping adults and teenagers with spinal cord injuries, strokes, and brain injuries learn how to regain their independence. She earned her certified driver rehabilitation specialty in 2018 to be able to help those same clients with neurologic injuries. She is the President of Bridges, a nonprofit that helps give more access to driving evaluations and specialty training for individuals all over the state of Oregon.
Tessa McEwen, AM, LCSW, DCCS, CDP has 20+ years of experience supporting diverse populations across nonprofit and medical settings, with a focus on personalized care and intergenerational connection. At UChicago Medicine, she primarily supports patients and families living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias—working through the Memory Center and consulting across outpatient neurology and neurosurgery clinics. She is a global facilitator for Lorenzo's House, co-leading programs for youth and care partners impacted by dementia. A Schweitzer Fellowship recipient, Tessa centers grief support, cultural humility, and compassionate care. She co-founded Dementia Friendly Hyde Park, holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame, and an MSW from the University of Chicago.
Guest Host Bio: Megan Teramoto, BS, MS, is a first year medical student at the Pritzker School of Medicine. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees after studying Biochemistry at the University of Arizona. Outside of school, Megan enjoys volunteering and hiking.
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Show Notes: https://verigeripodcast.com/show-notes/f/driving-retirement-when-and-how-to-talk-about-it
Timestamps
00:00 Driving Retirement Intro
00:23 Meet The Guests
01:45 Show Disclaimer
02:21 Warmup Game
03:56 Why Driving Safety Matters
06:34 Case One Routine Screening
09:33 Case Two Memory Concerns
12:48 Red Flags And Referrals
19:15 OT Driving Rehab Explained
23:38 Driving Outcomes Checklist
24:47 Behind The Wheel Context
26:00 Retesting And Provider Questions
26:57 Four Results Recap
27:51 Alzheimers Case Setup
28:42 MoCA And Framing
31:44 No Reporting Language
32:10 Social Worker Strategies
33:50 When Patients Refuse
37:37 Keeping Cars Inaccessible
38:46 Independence Without Driving
40:19 Local Transport Programs in Chicago
44:00 Key Takeaways And Closing
Co-Producers: Patty Lee, MD, Sam Ing, MD, Megan Teramoto, BS, MS
Script Writer: Megan Teramoto, BS, MS
Primary Editor: Patty Lee, MD
Show Notes Writer: Patty Lee, MD
