Deciding when driving is unsafe for someone with dementia can be hard, especially if the driver is not aware that there is a problem.  For many, driving is important. But, allowing someone who is unsafe to drive puts them and others at risk.

Suggestions:

• Talk to them about your concern for their safety
• Discuss options to meet their needs that require driving (i.e., shopping, church, social activities) and how those needs can be met
• Consider asking a physician to provide a prescription that “No Driving is Allowed” when driving becomes unsafe.

You may want to consider an assessment of your loved one's driving from an occupational therapist or driving specialist.

• Is my loved one safe to continue driving?
• Have I planned to have a conversation about not driving?
• Do I need to talk to their physician or a specialist about their driving?
• Have I considered options for other transportation?
• Can my local Area Agency on Aging help?

Driving and Dementia

Common Questions

On-line Resources

Contacts

• Dementia & Driving Resources:  http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-and-driving.asp
• Dementia & Driving Common Questions: http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/statements/driving_and_dementia.pdf

• Find a Driving Specialist: http://myaota.aota.org/driver_search/index.aspx
• Help Beyond the Conversation: http://www.thehartford.com/mature-market-excellence/help-beyond-driving-conversation