Dementia is a serious condition that can affect a person's ability to drive safely. As the disease progresses, people with dementia may have difficulty with tasks such as managing their medication, paying bills, balancing their checkbook, and navigating familiar routes.

This can make it unsafe for them to drive, and it's important to have a plan in place to help them transition to alternative transportation.

What to Look for:

There are a few signs that may indicate that someone with dementia is no longer safe to drive.

These include:

• Getting lost driving to familiar places.

• Having trouble with their vision or hearing.

• Making careless mistakes while driving.

• Becoming more confused or forgetful.

• Having difficulty managing their emotions.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have a conversation with the person about their driving. It can be a difficult conversation, but it's important to be honest and upfront about the risks.

Driving with Dementia: What to Do:

If the person with dementia is willing to give up their driver's license, there are a few things you can do to help them transition to alternative transportation.

These include:

• Helping them set up ride-sharing accounts.

• Finding volunteer drivers.

• Arranging for transportation through their local area agency on aging.

It's also important to make sure the person has access to other resources, such as grocery delivery services and transportation to medical appointments.

The Importance of Early Intervention:

It's important to have this conversation with the person with dementia sooner rather than later. The earlier you intervene, the easier it will be for them to adjust to their new reality.

It's also important to remember that taking away someone's driver's license can be a very emotional experience. Be patient and understanding, and offer your support throughout the process.

Driving with Dementia: Conclusion

Driving with dementia is a serious safety hazard. If you or someone you know is living with dementia, it's important to have a plan in place to help them transition to alternative transportation.

By taking early action, you can help keep them safe and independent. If you're concerned about someone's ability to drive safely, there are resources available to help. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a website with information about driving with dementia.

You can also contact your local area agency on aging for help finding transportation resources. It's important to remember that you're not alone. There are people who can help you and the person with dementia make this transition safely.

Let me know in the comments below if you have questions about dementia that you need answered.

If you would like more information on how to help a parent living with dementia, join our next free workshop here.

Read More:

Best Smart Tech for Seniors Living Alone with Mild Dementia

Cognitive Decline: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer: These blogs, videos and any work done by Lizette Cloete OT, as a Member of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is given only as educational content and consulting work. This does not create an Occupational Therapist-Patient Relationship. The educational content and consulting work performed should not be considered medical treatment as an Occupational Therapist. The consulting work does not take the place of medical work normally performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. Please consult a licensed Occupational Therapist for medical advice.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 4 cats, one dog and 16 chickens.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia, most recently presenting at a national conference on the topic “Dementia Made Simple”