Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. In the early stages, most people with Alzheimer’s can still function and live independently. They may struggle with some memory issues or have a harder time finding a solution to a problem, but eventually, they succeed and can complete whatever task is in front of them. The same can be said with driving for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Your loved one may not notice right away that her disease is causing problems with her driving. Or she may not want to tell you because of the fear that may come from being unable to independently drive herself places when she wants. For those reasons, it might be up to you and Alzheimer’s care providers to notice when it might be time for her to hand over the keys for good.
Five Signs it Might be Time for Your Loved One to Stop Driving
Taking much longer than normal to drive someplace and home again. If a trip to the grocery store to pick up a few items suddenly becomes a half-day trip, your loved one may be getting lost on her way there or back home.
Multiple car accidents or near misses. Alzheimer’s disease can make it more difficult to react quickly to changing situations on the road so your loved one might have more fender benders and near misses as she tries to adjust to changing traffic patterns.
Disregarding speed limits. Whether it’s going too slow or too fast, an inability to remember the speed limit can put your loved one and others in danger.
Sudden changes while driving. If your loved one forgets her turn until the last second or does not notice the red light until she’s on top of it, she cannot drive safely with others on the road.
Comments from others. Have your neighbors or the place of faith she attends each week noticed bad driving habits? If others are calling your attention to it, it deserves some serious consideration.
Alternatives to Driving for Alzheimer’s Patients
While it can be hard for your loved one to lose her driving privileges, there are plenty of options out there to help her get from place to place and they don’t all involve you having to provide all of her transportation needs.
Taxis/Ubers/Lyfts
There are plenty of services that your loved one can pay to help her get from one place and then back home again. These are great for errand running or attending a special event like a play or movie, but they can get expensive if they need to be used a lot.
Public Transportation
This can be helpful for some but can be dangerous if memory loss causes her to become confused once trying to navigate the public transportation system.
Alzheimer’s Care Providers
Having someone who comes to the home to help provide Alzheimer’s care is a great way to help your loved one get safely to her appointments. A recognized and trusted face will help lessen any anxiety she may have with riding with a stranger. An Alzheimer’s care provider will know your loved one and be able to adjust to any concerns that may come up during the trip, providing an extra level of security and protection for your loved one.