How to Stop Someone with Dementia from Driving: A Caregiver's Guide

If you're wondering how to stop someone with dementia driving, you're not alone. Dementia causes a decline in memory and reasoning, making driving more dangerous as cognitive abilities deteriorate.

Imagine being behind the wheel but struggling to remember directions or respond quickly to changes in traffic. With an estimated 6.7 million older adults living with Alzheimer's in the U.S., and that number set to double by 2060, ensuring their safety on the road is critical.

Caregivers must proactively address this challenge and find alternative solutions to manage the risks.

Understanding Dementia

There are several types of dementia, each affecting the brain differently. It includes the following:

Alzheimer's Disease, the most common type
Vascular Dementia, often caused by strokes, leads to impaired judgment, planning, and movement.
Lewy Body Dementia, which involves visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and fluctuating cognitive abilities
Frontotemporal Dementia, which affects personality, behavior, and language skills rather than memory
Mixed Dementia, where two or more types, such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, occur

Dementia progresses differently for each person, but it generally follows stages. Early on, some may struggle with managing money or driving safely. As it worsens, difficulties with communication, personal hygiene, and recognizing loved ones may appear.

In later stages, mobility often declines, and assistance is needed for eating and dressing.

Recognizing When It's Time to Stop Driving

Dementia impacts several key skills needed for safe driving. This can include:

Memory
Judgment
Reaction time
Attention
Spatial awareness

As dementia progresses, signs of unsafe driving can become more apparent. Identifying these warning signs is crucial for addressing the issue before it leads to dangerous situations. These could involve:

Getting lost in familiar areas
Forgetting traffic rules or signals
Making slow or poor decisions on the road
Increased dents or scratches on the car
Frequent close calls or minor accidents

Having the Conversation About Driving

Having a conversation about driving and dementia risks can be challenging, but it's crucial for their safety and the safety of others. Here are some tips to help make the discussion on aging and mobility more manageable.

Choose the Right Time and Place

Find a private, quiet setting where you can talk without interruptions. Ensure they're calm and not distracted, which increases the likelihood of their listening and participation.

Be Compassionate and Respectful

Acknowledge their feelings and independence. Emphasize that the decision is made out of care for their safety, not because they're no longer capable in other areas of life.

Use Clear, Non-Accusatory Language

Avoid making them feel like they've done something wrong. Instead of saying, "You shouldn't drive anymore," you might say, "I've noticed some things that concern me, and I want to make sure you're safe."

Explain the Risks

Gently explain how dementia impacts driving, such as memory loss, slower reaction times, or difficulty judging distances. Give examples, but don't overwhelm them with too much information.

Offer Alternatives for Senior Transportation

Losing the ability to drive can feel like a loss of independence. Discuss transportation options to reassure them that they can still maintain their independence and mobility even if they cannot drive. Consider the following:

Coordinate rides with loved ones
Uber and Lyft offer senior-specific programs
Use Non-Emergency Medical Transport

Be Ready for Resistance

Understand that this conversation may be met with denial, frustration, or anger. Stay calm and patient, giving them time to process the information.

Involve Other Professionals

Sometimes, having a doctor or healthcare professional reinforce the message can help make it feel more objective and less personal. A physician's assessment can provide an impartial decision about driving ability. Many states require doctors to report unsafe drivers, making it easier for caregivers to intervene.

Staff at a senior living community can give valuable input and caregiver support. They can:

Share observations from daily interactions with Alzheimer's care
Emphasize safety concerns
Provide professional insight to support the decision

Involving them can help your loved one feel more comfortable with the change, knowing it's a collective, well-considered decision.

Revisit the Conversation

Discussions on dementia and driving safety may not be one-time conversations. Be prepared to revisit the topic, offering reassurance and support each time.

Legal and Practical Steps to Remove Driving Privileges

When a loved one with dementia refuses to stop driving, it can be a difficult situation to navigate. Caregivers may need to take specific legal and practical steps to ensure everyone's safety while respecting their sense of independence.

Report to the DMV

Many states allow concerned individuals to submit a confidential report to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if they believe someone is unfit to drive. This can prompt a review of their driving abilities, often with a medical evaluation.

Let the License Expire or Choose Not to Renew

Sometimes, families simply let the driver's license lapse by not renewing it. This can be a gentle way to remove driving privileges without confrontation, but it may need ongoing support to uphold the decision.

Disable the Vehicle

If necessary, caregivers may need to take steps to prevent unsafe driving, such as removing the car keys, disconnecting the battery, or even selling the vehicle. This can prevent the individual from driving without the need for confrontation.

Use a Written Agreement

A written agreement between the senior and family members can remind them of their commitment to safety. This agreement can outline the reasons for not driving and suggest alternative transportation options to maintain independence while ensuring safety.

How to Stop Someone with Dementia Driving: Important Considerations

Knowing how to stop someone with dementia driving is key to keeping them and others safe. While it's a difficult decision, approaching it with empathy can help ease the process. You can offer support and guidance without taking away their dignity.

At Discovery Commons Brookfield, located in Brookfield, WI, we offer upscale Assisted Living and Memory Care apartments just minutes from I-94. Our commitment to making each resident the center of attention sets us apart, and exceptional caregivers are always ready to provide personalized support. Contact us today to discuss your needs and any safety concerns.