Driving with Dementia: When to Stop!

This originally aired on the Catholic Faith Network’s show CFN Live: https://youtu.be/Djo7W-0QaQQ

Dementia can significantly impair cognitive abilities, including memory, judgment, and reaction time, which are crucial for safe driving. As dementia progresses, driving becomes increasingly unsafe. This is such a difficult situation and a common one for many who have loved ones with dementia.

What are the signs of unsafe driving with dementia?

There are over 51 million seniors driving in the USA today and many of them are safe drivers.

Notwithstanding, identifying signs of unsafe driving in someone with dementia is crucial for ensuring their safety and the safety of others.

Here are common indicators to watch for:

 

• Poor Judgment: Making poor decisions, such as misjudging distances or speeds, or taking unnecessary risks.
• Frequent Honking or Complaints: Receiving frequent honks from other drivers or complaints about their driving.
• Damage to the Vehicle: Unexplained dents or scratches on the car, which may indicate minor collisions.
• Confusion, Anxiety or Stress While Driving:
  • Confusion While Driving: Getting lost on familiar routes or being easily confused by traffic signals and road signs;
  • Confusion at Intersections: Difficulty navigating intersections or roundabouts, leading to hesitation or erratic driving;
  • Showing signs of stress, anxiety, or frustration while behind the wheel.

• Slow Reaction Times: Delayed responses to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
• Difficulty with Lane Changes: Struggling to stay in the correct lane or making unsafe lane changes.
• Increased Accidents or Near Misses: A noticeable increase in minor accidents, fender benders, or close calls.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals: Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs or not yielding the right of way.

If you notice these signs, it is important that you take steps to protect your loved one.

How do you approach someone who should stop driving? 

Approaching someone who should stop driving can be sensitive, but it is important to manage it with care and empathy. Here are some steps to consider:

 

• Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a calm, private setting where you can have an uninterrupted conversation.
• Be Empathetic and Supportive: Start by expressing your concern for their safety and the safety of others. Use “I” statements to convey your feelings, such as “I am worried about your safety when driving.”
• Use Specific Examples: If possible, provide specific instances of unsafe driving behavior to illustrate your concerns. This can help make the issue more concrete.
• Focus on Safety: Emphasize that the conversation is about ensuring their safety and the safety of others, not about taking away their independence.
• Offer Alternatives: Discuss alternative transportation options, such as public transit, ridesharing services, or help from family and friends, to reassure them that they can still maintain their independence.
• Be Patient and Listen: Allow them to express their feelings and concerns. Be patient and understanding, as this can be a difficult topic for them to accept.
• Involve Professionals if Needed: If the conversation is challenging, consider involving a healthcare professional or counselor who can provide an objective perspective.

What should you do if the conversation does not go well?

If the conversation about stopping driving with a person with dementia does not go well, here are some steps you can take:

• Stay Calm and Patient: Keep your composure and remain patient. Understand that this can be a difficult and emotional topic for them.
• Give Them Time: Allow them some time to process the information. They may need a few days to come to terms with the idea.
• Revisit the Conversation: Plan to revisit the conversation at a later time. Choose a moment when they are calm and more receptive.
• Involve a Professional: Consider involving a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or counselor, who can provide an objective perspective and reinforce the importance of safety.
• Seek Support from Others: Enlist the help of other family members or friends who can provide additional support and encouragement.
• Focus on Safety: Continue to emphasize that the decision is about ensuring their safety and the safety of others.
• Explore Legal Options: If necessary, you may need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to report your concerns. They can require a driving test or medical evaluation to assess their fitness to drive.
• Consider Practical Measures: As a last resort, you might need to take practical steps, such as securing car keys or disabling the vehicle, to prevent them from driving.

Can you stop someone with dementia from driving?

Yes, you can take steps to stop someone with dementia from driving, primarily for their safety and the safety of others. Here are some approaches:

• Medical Evaluation: Encourage them to have a medical evaluation. Doctors can assess their ability to drive safely and may report their condition to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if necessary.
• Legal Measures: In some regions, you can contact the DMV directly to report a potentially unsafe driver. They may require the person to undergo a driving test or medical review.
• Family Intervention: Family members can have a direct conversation about the risks and suggest alternative transportation options. Removing access to car keys or disabling the vehicle can also be effective.
• Professional Assistance: Involving a healthcare professional or counselor can provide an objective perspective and help mediate the conversation.

What support services are available?

There are several support services available to help families manage the situation when a loved one should stop driving:

• Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, geriatric specialists, and occupational therapists can provide assessments and guidance on driving safety. They can also offer advice on how to approach the conversation.
• Support Groups: Joining support groups for caregivers of individuals with dementia or other conditions can provide emotional support and practical advice from others in similar situations.
• Counseling Services: Professional counselors or therapists can help family members cope with the emotional aspects of the situation and provide strategies for effective communication.
• Local Aging Agencies: Many communities have agencies on aging that offer resources and support for seniors and their families, including transportation alternatives and caregiver support.
• Legal and Financial Advisors: These professionals can provide advice on managing legal and financial aspects related to driving cessation, such as insurance and liability concerns.
• Community Transportation Services: Explore local transportation services designed for seniors or individuals with disabilities, which can help maintain their independence without driving.
• Educational Resources: Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association or AARP offer educational materials and resources on driving safety and dementia.

We hope you found this article helpful. Contact our office today at 1 (800) 680-1717 and schedule an appointment to discuss what makes sense for you and your loved ones.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.