Note: This article is addressing the issue of driving and a person with dementia. The issue of if (or when) an elderly person should stop driving because of other health issues is important, but is beyond the scope of this article.
For every person suffering with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia there comes a time when they should no longer drive. In an ideal world these people would realize their need to stop driving, and willingly give up the car keys. Unfortunately, we are not living in an ideal world–we are living right here on planet Earth with all of its warts and problems. This means many people suffering with dementia do not agreeably give up their car keys. This can be a huge problem for caregivers. You may currently face this struggle, or you might see it looming in your future.
I have seen this struggle. Everyone’s personal journey with the issue of driving is different, but today I am going to share from my experience and offer my opinion on how we can help address it.
First, we need to be aware–not only as individuals but also as a community and a culture–that addressing this issue of driving should begin long before anyone is sick. For this problem to be address rightly, it should be a part of cultural conversation. How long should people be allowed to drive as they advance into illness? Should there be an age limit? Should there be mandated testing for health impairment beyond a certain age? Past what point in health deterioration should someone no longer be allowed to drive? These are thorny issues which don’t have easy answers for universal social agreement. But the issue needs to be openly addressed as a culture, frankly and without shame. This aids in the formation of a groundwork for discussing the issue of driving frankly and without shame within the family context.