PLANO, Texas — Last year, a severe stroke put a halt to Donald “Ozzie” Verstraete’s independence and led him to neurological rehabilitation at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. Now, he’s back on the virtual road and continuing his recovery process.

Ashley Jones, MBA, OTR, Director of Rehab Services, with Donald "Ozzie" and Mary Verstraete

Since his stroke last March, Verstraete has worked with occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists to strengthen his weakened leg muscles and right arm, as well as improve his speech. Now, the 74-year-old heart attack, cancer and stroke survivor is using a new tool to enhance his recovery process – driving rehabilitation at Texas Health Plano.

“Regaining the ability to drive safely can be life-changing,” said Clint Abernathy, M.H.A., Texas Health Plano president. “Our driving rehabilitation program is led by licensed occupational therapists focused on helping individuals recover from an injury or manage a condition that impacts their driving ability. The goal is to support patients’ independence and confidence on the road, which is exactly what we’re doing at Texas Health Plano.”

Texas Health Plano’s program, like those at other locations within the health system, enhances the quality of life for stroke and brain injury patients by improving their physical and cognitive abilities. The driving rehab component was implemented last December at Texas Health Plano. Currently, five stroke patients are benefiting from using driving simulation, said Ashley Jones, MBA, OTR, director of Rehab Services.

“The program is particularly valuable for patients whose medical condition has affected their reaction time, attention, coordination or confidence behind the wheel, including Mr. Verstraete,” Jones said. “Patients often need a structured, clinically guided path to return to driving. We provide them with the necessary tools to achieve their goals and regain their independence.”

Globally, more than 12 million people experience a stroke each year, and close to 40% deal with memory and motor-skill deficits. Unfortunately, less than 15% of stroke survivors receive any type of driving evaluation.

Samantha Low, OT, OTD with Ozzie Verstraete

“Stroke patients are unique, with some going from full independence to depending on others,” said Samantha Low, OT, OTD, an occupational therapist assisting Verstraete.

The driving simulation incorporated into occupational therapy helps improve hand-eye coordination and movement and strength in the lower body.

“We jokingly told Mr. Verstraete that while some of the therapists were crashing on the driving simulator, he was nearly flawless,” Low said. “It’s important to support and encourage patients as they recover. They sometimes get discouraged, but I remind them that rehabilitation never happens with huge leaps and bounds. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Thanks to his three therapists, Verstraete is improving.

“I still talk funny, but I’m working on dressing myself, so I don’t have to depend on my wife. I know it can be stressful,” Verstraete said. “I can’t wait to walk again, play golf and zip around in the golf cart again — just me and my wife.”

It’s been a long process, but he’s optimistic.

“Everybody in rehab takes care of me and wants me to succeed,” he said. “They’re like family here, and I’m going to make it.”

Jones said Verstraete’s journey reflects the heart of Texas Health Plano’s neuro and stroke rehabilitation.