One of the most reoccurring discussions or problems to come up in any Alzheimer's support group has to be about the concerns, dangers, liability, and restriction of driving privileges for someone with dementia; and especially if the person is a man. Men can be stubborn, but when they are losing their mental capacity - they can be impossible!
I was "lucky" (which is a strange expression to use in regards to a spouse having Alzheimer's), because this wasn't an issue for my wife - probably because she lost all sense of direction and could not remember how to get any place more than a few block away. I also don't remember it being an issue with my father-in-law; but again they moved to live with us and he was completely disoriented in a new environment.
I remember my support group counseling one husband about the dangers and liability of his wife driving after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's; which he discussed with his wife. She always referred to our support group thereafter as "the restriction group", because they were the reason she could no longer drive.
I remember many horror stories of caregivers struggling to keep their spouse with Alzheimer's from driving. It one situation, it was finally resolved when he ran the car into a ditch and got stuck. Generally, it was a doctor who dictated the afflicted person could no longer drive - which worked in some situations.
Some women resorted to pulling wires or hiding keys, and eventually selling or giving his car away - blaming it on, or referring to what the doctor said. Another option was someone notifying the state department motor vehicles, which would result in a through driver examination to determine competency.
The primary concern is the possibility of getting into an accident which harms someone, including the person with Alzheimer's. A secondary concern is regarding liability for the driver and extended family members. Adult children can be held liable if they knowing allow a parent with Alzheimer's to drive which results in an accident.
This can definitely be one of the most difficult and troublesome aspects of having to deal with Alzheimer's. The links below provide good information and resource related to this topic. Your stories and experiences regarding driving issues and problems related to having Alzheimer's would be appreciated in the comments section below.
Resource Links
- Alzheimer's Association - Dementia and driving, having the conversation, and planning ahead.
- Family Caregiver Alliance - Dementia and driving, involving the person in the discussion, and when persuasion fails.
- Dementia Care Central - Warning signs, having the conversation, state by state laws on driving with dementia.
- Mayo Clinic - When to stop driving, having the conversation, strategies for difficult transitions.
- National Institute on Aging - Driving safety and Alzheimer's disease
- Bridget Mackay Law Office - Dementia and driving: 3 legal issues you need to know.
- HG.org - Liability for a parent with Alzheimer's driving the family vehicle and causing an accident.
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