FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When do I need to have these discussions with my family?
Begin these discussions today after finishing this tool – it’s best to have these conversations sooner rather than later so that you and your family can make the right choice. It’s best to have these discussions as someone the person with dementia trusts, respects, and will listen to. These are difficult discussions to have but are essential in keeping yourself and your family safe for years to come.
Q: What are some of the warning signs that I should be aware of?
Driving errors include being easily distracted while driving, having difficulty with changing lanes, driving very slowly, getting confused about your orientation, or having near miss accidents. It’s good to trust your instincts – if you or others in the home are worried, it’s probably time to rethink their access to driving.
Q: The person with dementia has always been safe when it comes to driving on their own. Why should I worry about their driving now?
It can be hard to think that a loved one might be dangerous to you or others. But drivers who have dementia are more than twice as likely to be involved in motor vehicle collisions. Dementia can cause confusion, memory/visual problems, and behavior changes, all of which can complicate driving. The person with dementia might get disoriented while driving or may disregard common safe practices while driving. Remember, it’s the disease – not the person – that’s the problem.
Q: Is there a test or evaluation that I can take to see if someone is driving unsafely?
While there is no one, single, or simple test in order to determine if someone is driving a car safely, there are other tests that can measure someone’s reflexes, vision, cognition, and attention. All of these skills are essential in safe driving and can be monitored by a professional evaluator or physician if requested. These tests can go a long way in promoting discussions about how and when to quit driving.
Q: Do I have to make a permanent decision right now?
No – if you’re not sure, you can take some time to think about the best long-term decision for you and the person with dementia. But it’s also important to make sure things are safe now. Think about where you keep the car keys, who has access to them (especially the person with dementia), how to offer other transportation options, and what future steps are best for your situation.
Q: Who else can help me make these decisions?
Close family members and friends can offer emotional support, assistance, and insight into making tough decisions like this. Healthcare professionals, financial planners, and care providers can also help during this stage of life by working with you and your family to find the best way to approach this change in life. For legal matters, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has a resource available if you’d like to view some legal representatives in your state for assistance. There are also many regional and local caregiver resources and support groups found around the country through the Alzheimer’s Association.