Crestwood screening to give ‘smooth ride’ for older citizens

MADISON – Crestwood Medical Center has scheduled a free screening to help senior citizens have a comfortable and safe drive.

“The CarFit Checkup will help older drivers find out how well their vehicles ‘fit’ them, demonstrate ways to improve comfort and safety and promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility,” Crestwood Marketing Coordinator Sarah Manning said.

The screening will be held on Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at Crestwood Family Practice: County Line Road, Suite A-2 in the Village Shoppes of Madison at 12100 County Line Road. Appointments are not necessary, and walk-ins are welcome; however, organizers will appreciate individuals to schedule appointment by calling 256-429-4930.

“Each checkup takes about 20 minutes,” Manning said. “This is not a driving test or mechanical inspection.”

Employees in Crestwood Therapy Services will provide the screening. The founders of CarFit are the American Society on Aging, American Automobile Association, American Occupational Therapy Association and developed in collaboration with AARP.

CarFit can improve older individuals’ safety by confirming that their cars are properly adjusted for them. The CarFit 12-point checklist reviews variables, such as adequate space from the steering wheel, seatbelts, head restraints, mirrors, ‘blind spots’ and reaching the gas and brake pedals.

Also at the ‘checkup,’ Crestwood employees will offer free screenings for bone density and vein health. “Crestwood often does free screenings at various locations, as a service to the community,” Manning said.

Sherry Kolodziejczak, who works as Crestwood Therapy Services Director, also serves as CarFit’s coordinator for the state of Alabama.

Crestwood’s main campus is located at One Hospital Drive in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-429-4560 or visit crestwoodmedcenter.com.

For details about CarFit, visit car-fit.org.