Deciding whether or not to allow a loved one with dementia to continue driving is a very difficult choice that families have to face. The progression of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, can have a substantial impact on cognitive abilities, such as judgment, memory, processing speed, and spatial awareness. Understanding the consequences and making informed decisions can help protect both the individual with dementia and others on the road.
Recognizing A Decline In Driving Ability
Identifying the symptoms that could point to a decline in driving ability is the first step in addressing driving concerns. Common dementia symptoms that may make driving dangerous include:
- Memory Loss: Getting lost in familiar places, forgetting regular routes, or having trouble remembering recent events may put a driver’s safety at risk.
- Poor Judgement: Having trouble making safe decisions, such as interpreting traffic signs and signals or addressing gaps in traffic, can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
- Decreased Concentration: Being unable to focus on the road, follow road signs, or react to changing traffic conditions can increase a driver’s risk of getting into an accident.
During brief outings, family members can watch how their loved one drives and note any habits or behaviors that may be a cause for concern. These habits or behaviors may include:
- Failure to yield
- Driving too slowly
- Frequently gets lost
- Doesn’t observe traffic signs/signals
- Becomes easily frustrated or confused
- Needs instructions or directions from other passengers
- Has difficulty interpreting traffic situations or predicting changes
- Poor positioning on the road, or driving the wrong way down streets
If you notice any of these signs present in a loved one, it is essential that you work to keep them safe by talking to their physician about the need to see an Occupational Therapy Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (OT DRS).
Assessing Driving Capability For Those With Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Driving is an important activity that many of us love. Therefore, before making any decisions surrounding a loved one’s driving retirement, it’s essential to objectively and thoroughly evaluate their driving capabilities. This can be achieved through formal or informal observations.
For a more comprehensive assessment, consider reaching out to an OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. These occupational therapists can conduct a comprehensive driving evaluation that includes both in-clinic testing and a behind-the-wheel assessment. The OT DRS can provide standardized assessments to evaluate cognitive, physical, and visual skills necessary for safe driving. During the comprehensive driving evaluation, the OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist will work with the driver to understand the impact that their condition may or may not be having on their safe driving behaviors. The OT DRS will look for patterns and help determine if the driver demonstrates fitness to drive or if it is time to start exploring driving retirement.
More and more, neurologists are recommending a comprehensive driving evaluation with a specialist as soon as someone is diagnosed with dementia. Completing a comprehensive driving evaluation with an OT Driver Rehab Specialist early in a condition helps the specialists and doctors to better understand the driver, differentiate between the impact of dementia versus bad driving habits, and better guide recommendations for supporting the driver and their family.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, we recommend talking to your doctor about the need to complete a driving evaluation with an OT DRS.
Discussing Driving Retirement
Talking with your loved one about giving up driving can be challenging and emotionally taxing. However, research has shown us that those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia want to hear this information from a loved one. Having the objective observations and recommendations from an OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist can help both you and the individual with dementia during this transition. As you support your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it’s important to be compassionate and understanding in your approach, putting more emphasis on your concern for their safety, than on their restrictions and limitations. Encourage your loved one to share their thoughts on driving and provide specific examples of behaviors that worry you. Work to provide solutions and rides to help keep your loved one active in the community and remember to remove their access to their vehicle.
Involving other family members or friends can also be beneficial during this conversation, as it may offer a more comprehensive point of view. Hearing concerns from more than one source can help to make the overall message more impactful.
Driving Alternatives For Those With Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Decisions about driving retirement should involve more than one professional and more than one test. Working with both an OT DRS and your doctor/specialist can help to determine if it is time for driving retirement. If it has been decided that your loved one is no longer able to drive due to symptoms of dementia, it’s important to look into other forms of transportation for them. Depending on their needs and abilities, options could include:
- Family & Friends: Coordinating rides with friends and family members can provide reliable transportation support for appointments and social activities.
- Community Services*: Many communities offer transportation services specifically for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
- Public Transportation*: Busses, trains, and subways may be viable options for some individuals, especially in urban areas.
*Please work with your loved one’s occupational therapist and other medical providers to determine if your loved one is safe to use these options.
Planning Ahead
Driving abilities often decline as dementia progresses. It’s important to plan ahead for this transition. Start the conversation about driving retirement early. How and when does your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s want to be told? Talk about future care needs and how alternate forms of transportation will fit into the plans. Consider completing a driving evaluation with an OT DRS soon after diagnosis to help support positive driving actions and decisions. By taking proactive measures, you can ensure that your loved one stays an involved member of the community, without having to worry about their safety on the road.
