November 3, 2017

Caregiving: Alzheimer’s and Driving

We all want to remain independent for our entire lives, but Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias can force our driving privileges to come to a screeching halt.  In fact, one of the first concerns a caregiver has upon a patient’s diagnosis is how and when to stop a spouse or other loved one from driving.  As we age, our reflexes slow and our concentration diminishes.  For someone living with Alzheimer’s disease, it happens dramatically faster.  The following are signs that a discussion must happen about whether the patient should no longer drive:

  • Difficulty navigating to familiar places
  • Poor lane control
  • Confusing the brake and gas pedals
  • Failing to observe traffic signs
  • Making slow or poor decisions
  • Hitting the curb while driving
  • Driving at an inappropriate speed
  • Becoming angry or confused while driving

This is not going to be easy, and the person who is losing their driving privileges may get upset.  Show empathy and be strong.  Explain that it is a safety issue, not only for the driver, but for every other driver and passenger on the roadways.  If you need reinforcements, your doctor or your lawyer can help explain the risks to the driver.

Fortunately we have many options for the home-bound and those not able to drive.  Some suggestions:

  • Taxi
  • Grocery/Food/Prescription Delivery
  • Internet Shopping
  • Friends/Relatives
  • Uber/Lyft
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Senior Bus/Van Transportation

If possible, arrange a payment plan so your loved one does not need to handle money.  The disease will only progress and your loved one may be upset by the loss of independence.  You need to be firm, but if the person living with Alzheimer’s refuses to stop driving, you have a few options:

  • Control key access.  Keep keys out of sight.  If your loved one insists on carrying a set of keys, offer keys that won’t start the vehicle.
  • Disable the vehicle.  Remove a battery cable to prevent the car from starting, or ask a mechanic to install a “kill switch” that must be engaged before the car will start.
  • Sell the vehicle.  If you can make do without your loved one’s vehicle, consider selling it.

Stay strong.  Your loved one may get upset over the loss of independence.  Be patient, but firm.  The consequences of unsafe driving can be devastating.

**Information and quotes from www.mayoclinic.org