April 10, 2026
#19: Driving Retirement: When and How to Talk About It
<p>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.</p> <p><span class="citation-185">Disclaimer: Don't take any medical advice from this podcast</span> <span class= "citation-185 citation-end-185"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="4"> <!----></sup></span><span data-path-to-node="3,2">.</span> <span class="citation-184">Always consult with your own physician on your medical decisions, and this podcast is not affiliated with any universities</span><span data-path-to-node="3,6">.</span> <span class="citation-183">Thoughts and views are our own</span><span data-path-to-node="3,10">.</span></p> <p>Guest Bios:</p> <p><strong><span class="markakg9i39uq" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Emily</span> <span class= "mark5gch3o3d6" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="">Morgan</span>, MD</strong> 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. </p> <p class=""><strong>Marisa Palandri, OT, CDRS</strong> 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.</p> <p class=""><strong>Tessa McEwen, AM, LCSW, DCCS, CDP</strong> 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.</p> <p class=""><strong class= "x-el x-el-span c2-2b c2-2c c2-3 c2-53 c2-q c2-37 c2-54">Guest Host Bio:</strong> <strong class= "x-el x-el-span c2-2b c2-2c c2-3 c2-53 c2-q c2-37 c2-54">Megan Teramoto, BS, MS</strong>, 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. </p> <p><strong>Follow our Instagram, @verigeripodcast: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/verigeripodcast">https://www.instagram.com/verigeripodcast</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Please subscribe to our podcast to get the word out!</strong></p> <p><strong>Show Notes: https://verigeripodcast.com/show-notes/f/driving-retirement-when-and-how-to-talk-about-it</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Timestamps</strong></p> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">00:00 Driving Retirement Intro</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">00:23 Meet The Guests</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">01:45 Show Disclaimer</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">02:21 Warmup Game</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">03:56 Why Driving Safety Matters</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">06:34 Case One Routine Screening</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">09:33 Case Two Memory Concerns</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">12:48 Red Flags And Referrals</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">19:15 OT Driving Rehab Explained</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">23:38 Driving Outcomes Checklist</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">24:47 Behind The Wheel Context</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">26:00 Retesting And Provider Questions</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">26:57 Four Results Recap</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">27:51 Alzheimers Case Setup</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">28:42 MoCA And Framing</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">31:44 No Reporting Language</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">32:10 Social Worker Strategies</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">33:50 When Patients Refuse</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">37:37 Keeping Cars Inaccessible</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">38:46 Independence Without Driving</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">40:19 Local Transport Programs in Chicago</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-default-fg-primary label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">44:00 Key Takeaways And Closing</span></div> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p>Co-Producers: Patty Lee, MD, Sam Ing, MD, <span class= "x-el x-el-span c2-2b c2-2c c2-3 c2-53 c2-q c2-37 c2-54">Megan Teramoto, BS, MS</span></p> <p>Script Writer: <span class= "x-el x-el-span c2-2b c2-2c c2-3 c2-53 c2-q c2-37 c2-54">Megan Teramoto, BS, MS</span></p> <p>Primary Editor: Patty Lee, MD</p> <p>Show Notes Writer: Patty Lee, MD</p>