Driving and Dementia

Supporting your family member as they lose the ability to function independently is challenging. Driving is an especially tough issue for families dealing with dementia. For caregivers, ensuring the safety of the person with dementia--and others--is an important concern. For people with dementia, losing the ability to drive represents a significant loss of independence. This section provides helpful information on the subject of driving.
 

 

Driving Q and A

As a caregiver, what should I do if I believe an aging familiy member shouldn't be driving?

The need to stop driving or to have a person's driver's license revoked is based on medical risk, not age. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias can pose a medical risk for driving ability as the disease progresses. Therefore, it is important for the individual and family to plan ahead and prepare to inevitably stop driving. It is important to stop driving immediately if continuing driving is dangerous.

Should I discuss the subject directly with the individual, If so, how best is it to begin the conversation?

It is important to involve the individual directly in making decisions and planning for their future, especially in preparing to stop driving. It's best to begin the conversation when the person is still able to drive, early on in the disease process. This may be difficult if the person is unable to recognize that their abilities are impaired.

Recognize that stopping driving can be felt as a loss of independence. However, by planning ahead you can assess how best to support the person's continued independence and activites, and develop a plan for using alternative transportation, such as public transit, or family and friends.

Is it better to contact the family doctor or other attending physician instead - to preserve my relationship with my family member?

You may find it difficult to discuss the need to stop driving with your family member. If possible, include the person in planning and encourage them to see their family doctor for an assessment. The family doctor can assess physical and mental changes that may be affecting the person's ability to drive. These might include changes in eyesight, hearing, reaction time, judgment, or side-effects to medications. It is important to get an assessment from the physician or other professional to determine if the person can continue to drive safely.

What should I be prepared for - under what circumstances will my family member become distrustful, or resent me?

It can be difficult for the person to admit they are losing the ability to drive. They may feel a loss of freedom and independence. The person may exhibit signs of grief for these losses, including anger, sadness, depression, bargaining, resistance, and denial. Some people decide to stop driving on their own.

How can I assist someone with Alzheimer disease whose license has been revoked in making this significant life transition?

Empathize and acknowledge their feelings. Acknowledge what cannot be changed, such as the progression of the disease and inevitably stopping driving. Focus on planning ahead. Consider what can be changed, such as finding alternative transportation, as well as finding ways to maintain the person's independence and involvement in activities for as long as possible.


Does the Alzheimer Society of B.C. have information resources to support families with the driving issue?

Yes, start by visiting the helpful links on this page. The topic of driving is discussed in our education sessions.  Learn more about dementia education...

People may also find further support on this issue by attending an Alzheimer Support Group. Learn more about Support Groups...

The Law in British Columbia

If the person continues to drive despite recommendations to discontinue, some health professionals have a legal obligation to report individuals who are unfit to drive to the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. Here is the details of the current legislation under the Motor Vehicle Act:

230  (1) This section applies to every legally qualified and registered psychologist, optometrist and medical practitioner who has a patient 16 years of age or older who

(a) in the opinion of the psychologist, optometrist or medical practitioner has a medical condition that makes it dangerous to the patient or to the public for the patient to drive a motor vehicle, and

(b) continues to drive a motor vehicle after being warned of the danger by the psychologist, optometrist or medical practitioner.

(2) Every psychologist, optometrist and medical practitioner referred to in subsection (1) must report to the superintendent the name, address and medical condition of a patient referred to in subsection (1).

(3) No action for damages lies or may be brought against a psychologist, an optometrist or a medical practitioner for making a report under this section, unless the psychologist, optometrist or medical practitioner made the report falsely and maliciously.