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SITUATIONS

Making a plan about what to do about driving can be difficult. These questions can help make these decisions a little easier. Think about your current situation and how these questions impact your life. Afterwards, we’ll discuss some common solutions that may be applicable for you and your lifestyle.

 
1. Think about the cars in the home where the person with dementia lives -
who owns them?
 
Why This Matters
Legal options to sell, transfer, or disable a car may vary depending on who owns the vehicle. Think about all of the cars that may be in your home and who has legal ownership of them before taking any further steps.
 
2. For the person with dementia, what is their primary reason for driving?
 
Why This Matters
Some people with dementia drive to purchase groceries or to complete daily errands, while others might drive to visit family and friends. Many enjoy driving for the feeling of freedom and independence it provides. Depending on their reasons for driving, some solutions may be more acceptable than others.
 
3. Do you feel safe having the person with dementia driving right now?
 
 
Why This Matters
If you feel like there's an immediate risk of harm, to either themselves or others on the road, you need to take steps right now.
 
4. Have you or others noticed any unsafe driving behaviors - such as forgetting the rules of the road, difficulties turning or parking, or hitting other objects/cars?
 
 
 
Why This Matters
These behaviors can make driving a dangerous activity, both for those with dementia and others on the road. Be aware of how incidents like these occur over time. Keep a log of incidents, accidents, or close calls that you or others notice.
 
5. Long-term, do you want to maintain access to a car in your home?
 
 
 
Why This Matters
Consider whether you'll need a car in the future. For some people, removing the car from the home is an easy choice and does not change day-to-day living. This choice, when possible, prevents all unauthorized access. Others, however, might need a car for work, daily tasks, and more.
 
6. Short-term, can the person with dementia have supervised access to a car? Alternatively, can they use public transportation (buses, taxis, ride-shares)?
 
 
 
Why This Matters
Some short-term fixes can help while you plan long-term solutions. For some, driving can be allowable while supervised, either by yourself or others in the car. Public transport is also another possible strategy to consider if available to you.
 
7. Do you think the person with dementia will be upset if they cannot have access to their car?
 
 
 
Why This Matters
Cars are a big part of our lives and some people may become anxious or upset if they do not have access to their car. Having a designated driver or someone acting as a chaperone may be a reasonable compromise, allowing them safe access to their car.
Now that we've thought a bit about your Situation, let's turn to some possible Solutions: