It is one of the most common (and contentious) questions asked by family caregivers and seniors. When should an older adult to end their time behind the wheel?
There is no right answer to this question. Every situation is different. Physical changes related to aging that may bring reduced mobility and reaction time, increased anxiety in busy city traffic. A move to a more convenient location may often cause someone to sell the car and find alternate ways to get around.
Many things can factor into a person’s continued driving abilities, but when dementia is diagnosed, there may be other things to think about. While this condition can play a role in how a person drives and navigates, it is important to note that a dementia diagnosis does not always have to lead to immediately hanging up the keys.
To first clarify, dementia robs a person of memory, language, problem-solving, awareness, and other cognitive abilities – all of which play a crucial part in a person’s ability to effectively and safely drive a motor vehicle. Dementia is a general term and not just one thing, but many … the most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are others including Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotempural Dementia, and Vascular Dementia.
While a person living with dementia may still be able to safely operate a motor vehicle, there can be valid concerns for family caregivers in other areas. Prior to my father’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, I remember a frightening moment. Mom let it slip that Dad had left home to drive an errand and got lost! Fortunately, he found his way back home again before a search party had to be sent out, but the situation could have been far more serious. This certainly got my sisters and I thinking!
Driving allows all of us to get around, offers convenience and continued independence, and for many older adults, especially men, it provides a sense of pride.
It’s a dilemma. Mum or Dad may stubbornly dig in their heels and insist they can still drive safely in their community and find their way around. Family members may avoid approaching the subject as it can be difficult to discuss and be a signal of a loved one’s decline. Here are a few ideas to make things simpler for all involved:
Reduce driving: This is one of the easiest methods to keep a senior who is living with dementia safe. Offer viable alternatives such as public transit, walking, taxis, family and/or friends, ride-sharing, and seniors’ driving services.
Undergo regular assessments: Check with the family doctor for advice. And, if the senior is over the age of 80, he/she will be required to take vision and written tests to prove continued capability to drive before a driver’s license can be renewed. Please read here: https://www.caa.ca/driving-safely/senior-drivers/renewing-your-drivers-licence/.
Stick to familiar routes and quieter roads: As a driver myself, I am admittedly more comfortable with known streets and avenues. A person living with dementia may also be safer there as well (this doesn’t mean that he/she does not have to still pay close attention while driving ). In addition, it can be better to steer clear of busier thoroughfares. Increased noise, heavier, and faster-moving traffic on more major routes can all lead to greater confusion.
Drive during the day: If you have ever driven before sunrise or at night, you will understand that it can be more difficult to read traffic signs or spot familiar landmarks in the dark. Obstacles on the way (e.g. a pedestrian crossing the road at a crosswalk or a cyclist riding ahead) are far more visible during the day.
Drive with someone: Being a companion either as a passenger to observe and assist or as a driver who can take over the driving (if necessary), and provide social company is ideal. Depending on the time of day, increased confusion, stress, and pressure for a driver may lead to an older adult enjoying the ride as a passenger instead.
Try GPS: Map out the intended route on the cars GPS or on a cell phone. By using the audible feature, directions can be provided in real time for increased focus on the road ahead.
Sell the car: Doing this may sound somewhat harsh, but, without a car in the front driveway or garage, the temptation to grab the keys and go will be gone.
In the early days of his Alzheimer’s disease when Dad started to forget, my sisters and I worried about his driving ability. We thought it best to suggest to him and Mom to sell their car. We expected backlash from both of them claiming they were more than capable of still driving. Surprisingly, Mom and Dad agreed to our plan. Granted, we were very careful with our approach … we did not point out any physical or mental decline or accuse them of being unable to still function. Instead we convinced them we would worry about them on the road – this was thankfully, a fact they could not argue!
Rick Lauber is a freelance writer. He has written two books, Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians and The Successful Caregiver’s Guide.
Doctor’s orders
Dementia is certainly not the only reason stop driving. Other reasons include increased anxiety, driving slower (or faster), reduced flexibility, low vision or decreased eyesight, slower response time, physical weakening, medication side effects, confusion between the gas and brake pedals, and/or receiving more driving violation tickets. By riding with the senior in the car, a family caregiver or occupational therapist, can quite easily assess the situation. No matter what, it may also be helpful to have a doctor recommend restricted driving. The diagnosis coming from a medical professional may carry more weight and be better trusted than just the concern from a (possibly meddling) family member.
