Assessing Elderly Drivers
Assessing Elderly Drivers
Would you know whether Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is interfering with a friend or elderly loved one’s ability to drive safely? No one likes the idea of taking the keys away from someone who’s driven for the past several decades or more. But the time may come when this unwelcome decision has to be made.
It’s a fact of life
Aging is a fact of life. As you get older, your memory usually begins to fade and your reactions begin to slow. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can trigger these types of problems sooner rather than later.
Confusion and impaired judgment are two consequences of these diseases. While both will interfere with a person’s normal day-to-day routine, they can also have a dangerous effect on the individual’s driving ability. That individual’s decision-making ability may be hindered and his perception of distance impaired, both of which can create driving hazards for the stricken individual, other drivers and pedestrians.
Is it time to get involved?
Usually the person with the disease is the last to know he or she has a problem, or that his or her ability to drive safely is diminishing. That’s when someone else needs to step in and evaluate the situation. Problem is, driving is a privilege and to take that privilege away can feel like a loss of freedom and independence. Even if it’s for the sake of safety, taking away an elderly person’s keys is nonetheless a difficult and emotional decision for everyone involved.
Tips for making the assessment:
- Talk openly with others about your concerns regarding the affected driver.
- Observe the driver when possible and jot down issues that cause concern like forgetting directions to familiar destinations, missing turns, hitting curbs, dangerous turns, and driving at speeds that aren’t right for the road conditions. Include the day and time the issue was observed.
- Share your concerns with the affected individual in a non-confrontational way. Be reassuring as you discuss driving alternatives so the individual doesn’t feel he’s losing his freedom.
- Seek the help of an experienced professional when explaining the medical issues that may be causing problems with driving, if needed.
To help the affected individual transition from driver to passenger try:
- Having the individual drive only during daylight hours on roads that are familiar.
- Enlisting family and friends to help with errands, medical appointments, entertainment and other transportation needs.