Baby, You CAN'T Drive My Car.

When someone you love has Alzheimer's, driving privileges can be one of the most difficult decisions you must face.

Is your person safe behind the wheel?

Driving is a symbol of independence and adulthood. It means self-reliance and freedom to many people. The idea of losing the right to drive is upsetting. But safety must be your priority.

Some people will recognize the risks and stop driving on their own. However, many people refuse to accept they are no longer safe drivers. You must intervene when driving puts your person and others at risk.

What should you do?

• Discuss the situation with compassion and empathy. Be kind, but be firm and consistent.
• Decide together. A person will adjust better if they are part of making the decision.
• Watch for behaviors that indicate unsafe driving. Getting lost in familiar places, driving at improper speeds (too fast/too slow), disregarding traffic rules, or getting confused are indicators driving should stop.
• Ask your doctor to help by writing a prescription that says, "no driving allowed."
• Arrange for alternate transportation to reduce the need to drive so it becomes a non-issue.
• Ask friends and family to help with driving, have groceries and prescriptions delivered, arrange for in home hair appointments.
• If you must, take away the car keys. Hide them or substitute fake keys on the key ring.
• Disable the car, or move it out of sight so the person cannot access it.

If you have a stubborn person who insists they can drive safely, arrange for a driving evaluation.

Contact your State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Don't hesitate to let the examiner know your person has dementia.

Some states require physicians to notify the DMV of any patient diagnosed with dementia. The person with dementia is required to report to the DMV for a driver re-examination. Individuals diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia may have their licenses automatically revoked. To find out about driving and dementia laws, you can call the Department of Motor Vehicles for the state where your person resides.

Alzheimer's is scary enough without worrying about a traffic accident.

This is a difficult and emotional decision, but ultimately, safety is the priority. Do what you must do to prevent a tragedy.