According to the WHO, it's estimated that fifty-five million people around the world have dementia. The symptoms of dementia can gradually make daily life and activities harder for the person suffering from it.
Unfortunately, this can often put them in dangerous situations. This is particularly true if they wander or get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Knowing how to stop someone with dementia driving can be a hard conversation.
So how do you approach the subject? In this aging and mobility guide, we'll answer this question so that you can make sure that you protect your loved one from being a potential danger on the road.
Understanding when it's time to intervene starts with recognizing the warning signs. One of the earliest indicators is getting lost, even on familiar routes.
A person with dementia may suddenly forget where they are or struggle to find their way home, even in areas they have navigated for years. Difficulty following traffic signs or making safe driving decisions is another concern. This can present as:
Increased confusion or disorientation while behind the wheel is also a major warning sign, as it can lead to dangerous mistakes on the road.
If family members, friends, or medical professionals have expressed concern about a loved one's driving, it's essential to take these warnings seriously.
Bringing up the subject of driving can be emotional when someone is going through cognitive decline. Many individuals with dementia see driving as a key part of their independence, so it's important to approach the discussion with empathy and respect.
Choosing the right moment is crucial. Have a conversation when your loved one is calm and in a comfortable environment. A rushed or confrontational approach will likely lead to resistance.
When discussing the issue, be compassionate and clear. Express concerns in a way that focuses on their safety rather than on what they are losing. For some individuals, hearing concerns from a doctor, caregiver, or another trusted person may be more impactful than hearing it from family alone.
It may also be helpful to offer transportation alternatives to ease the transition, such as finding new ways to maintain social connections and continue engaging in activities they enjoy.
When conversations alone aren't enough, practical steps may be needed to ensure your loved one is no longer behind the wheel. One effective approach is limiting access to the vehicle.
Keeping car keys out of reach or disabling the vehicle may prevent unsafe driving. In some cases, selling or relocating the car may be necessary.
If the vehicle is no longer available, the temptation to drive is removed. Another step is requesting a driving evaluation from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
A professional assessment can determine whether a person with dementia is still capable of driving safely. If they are not, the DMV may revoke their driving privileges. Consulting a healthcare professional can also provide additional support.
A doctor's recommendation often carries significant weight in helping a loved one understand the need to stop driving.
A retirement community can offer a supportive and engaging environment for individuals with dementia. However, it's important to first make sure that they offer memory care services.
Moving to a community can ease the burden of driving while providing access to enriching activities and personalized care. A dementia-friendly community is designed to provide structured routines and assistance while promoting independence.
These communities offer opportunities for social and recreational engagement, which can be beneficial for mental and emotional well-being. The transition to a community can also help relieve family members of the stress associated with monitoring their loved one's safety on the road.
Instead of worrying about whether their loved one will attempt to drive, families can focus on ensuring they receive proper dementia care and support. Additionally, many communities provide assistance with daily tasks, helping individuals maintain a comfortable lifestyle without relying on transportation.
Exploring this option may provide the best solution for ensuring safety while also improving quality of life. Just make sure you explore the reviews first to get a sense of what other people's experiences have been like.
The transition away from driving can bring up strong emotions. Many people with dementia may feel frustrated, isolated, or even resistant to change. Supporting them through this adjustment is crucial.
Acknowledging their feelings and allowing them to express their emotions can help ease the process. It's important to provide reassurance by emphasizing their safety and well-being rather than focusing on limitations.
Encouraging social engagement in other ways can also help, whether it's:
Staying active can help lessen feelings of isolation. For both caregivers and individuals with dementia, connecting with support groups can provide valuable guidance and emotional support.
There are legal and ethical responsibilities when ensuring a loved one with dementia stops driving. State laws regarding driving and dementia vary, but many require doctors to report cognitive impairments that could affect driving ability.
Physicians can assess cognitive abilities and may be required to notify the DMV if driving is unsafe. If a loved one refuses to stop driving, a designated decision-maker may need to step in and enforce necessary safety measures.
Power of attorney can give a trusted individual the authority to make important decisions on behalf of the person with dementia. However, it's crucial to balance safety with autonomy, ensuring that decisions are made in a way that respects their dignity and personal rights while keeping them and others safe.
We hope this senior driving safety guide helped you learn how to stop someone with dementia driving. Here at Aston Gardens At The Courtyards, our staff have extensive experience supporting our memory care residents.
In addition to keeping them safe, we improve their quality of life through activities and social environments where they can thrive. So if you want to learn more about our community in Sun City Center, FL, get in touch with us today.