My father has just been diagnosed, but we’ve been noticing some problems for a while. When does he need to stop driving? And how do we tell him?
A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean that driving must stop at once. However, it does mean that at some point in the future, the person with dementia will no longer be able to drive safely.
My father has just been diagnosed, but we’ve been noticing some problems for a while. When does he need to stop driving? And how do we tell him?
A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean that driving must stop at once. However, it does mean that at some point in the future, the person with dementia will no longer be able to drive safely. Driving is a complex task that depends upon our sensory, physical, and cognitive abilities. As dementia progresses, all of these abilities are impaired.
Conversations about driving can be very challenging. We live in a world where driving and independence are practically synonymous. Having to give up driving means facing the losses that come with dementia and this can be difficult for everyone involved.
If the person with dementia is diagnosed early, he may be aware of his diagnosis and understand the impact it will eventually have on his ability to drive safely. Ideally, he should participate in conversations and decisions regarding driving. However, if he cannot or will not, caregivers must prepare for a time when he will not be able to drive, and intervene to keep him and others safe.
Assessing safety
Because individuals with dementia can lack self-awareness, it is critical that someone else assess driving ability. One way to do this is to observe the person with dementia while driving, either as a passenger or by following them. Some warning signs include:
• Getting lost
• Forgetting the destination during the trip
• Failing to observe traffic signs
• Making slow or poor decisions in traffic
• Becoming angry or confused while driving
• Hitting curbs
• Confusing the brake and gas pedals
• Multiple accidents or near misses
Having the discussion
Be sure to approach the topic with empathy. Also, appeal to the person’s sense of responsibility: no one wants to be responsible for harming others on the road. It may be helpful to reinforce medical diagnoses and directives; sometimes people will respond to a doctor as an authority figure when they won’t listen to their children or spouse. Some options for this include:
• Illinois driver’s license renewal: road test required over age 75
• Comprehensive driver evaluation. You can search for a diagnostic driving evaluation center at our community resource finder.
• A “Do not Drive” prescription from a doctor
• Physician report to Secretary of State
However, keep in mind that even loss of a driver’s license may not be enough to keep the person with dementia off the road if he still has access to a car and is determined to drive. He may not remember that he has been told by his doctor not to drive or that he has lost his license.
Alternate transportation
• You will want to explore alternative transportation options. Some resources include:
• Family/friends/neighbors/religious community: Coordinate with Care Team Calendar.
• Volunteer driver: National Volunteer Caregiving Network
• City or township programs such as paratransit or taxi vouchers for seniors or disabled persons. Click here to access these via your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 1.800.252.8966
Deterring the Determined Driver
Sometimes you may need to actively prevent the person with dementia from driving. This can be very difficult. Children find it emotionally challenging to start exerting authority over their parents, and spouses don’t want to make their loved one angry by insisting they stop driving. However, no one wants the person with dementia to injure or kill themselves or someone else. Here are some ways to prevent an unsafe driver from getting on the road:
• Distract and re-direct: “We’ll go visit your friend next week when they’re back from vacation. Can you come help me with…”
• Offer to drive: “It’s my turn to drive today.”
• Restrict access to car keys.
• Disable the car.
• Remove or sell the car.
Giving up driving can be a significant loss. Conversations about driving are one of the difficult situations in dementia care, especially because the safest solution may not be the choice that makes an affected loved one happy. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is here to talk you through this and provide support, resources and advice.
Click here to learn more about dementia and driving, including videos of four families having this discussion.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php