Home > Summer 2010 Newsletter |
|
|
|
|
Safety Behind the Wheel
O ne of the most contentious
issues many
individuals with early dementia and their
caregivers face is driving. Although some earlystage
people can still drive safely for a while, it is inevitable
that the day will come when it’s time to give up those
car keys. Traumatic? Yes, for both drivers with dementia
and their caregivers, not only because of safety issues but
also because of what driving can actually represent —
independence, competence, freedom, control, and even
just sheer enjoyment. And for many people, driving is one
of the most important means of staying connected with
“the outside world.”
I am often asked by my clients what effect dementia
actually has on an early-stage person’s ability to drive.
Although Alzheimer’s affects each individual differently,
people with the disease will eventually lose the ability to
drive safely as hand-eye coordination suffers, perception
changes, reaction time becomes slower, and spatial skills
are impaired. As their driving skills begin to gradually
change, they might find that they are getting lost in familiar
neighborhoods or they have trouble taking the right exit or
staying in the proper lane. Their ability to judge distances
becomes compromised, often leading to the appearance
of those numerous unexplained scrapes and dents on car
fenders. Drivers with early dementia may not be able to
stop suddenly, or they may fail to stop at red lights or stop
signs altogether. Nighttime driving also becomes more
confusing and problematic. Needless to say, these are
definite warning signs that should
not be ignored or explained away
by either drivers with dementia or
their caregivers. Please remember
that these drivers are putting not
only themselves but everyone
else on the road at great risk.
What are some of the things
caregivers can do to help earlystage
individuals determine
whether or not they are still safe
drivers? Begin by talking openly
about your concerns and encourage
the person you’re caring for to do
the same, knowing that this is not
an easy situation to resolve. The
Hartford Financial Services Group (www.thehartford.com/alzheimer’s) has published a booklet called, At
The Crossroads: Family Conversations About Alzheimer’s
Disease, Dementia & Driving, which contains many helpful
tips for caregivers including keeping a written record of
observed driving behavior over time. Caregivers should
also talk openly about the driving issue with the earlystage
person’s physician, and ensure that the doctor is
checking regularly for problems that could affect driving
skills. It’s also a good idea to have the early-stage driver
take a twice-yearly driving test to be certain that they are
still safe on the road.
If you have an early-stage diagnosis, or you are the caregiver for someone with early dementia and you would like to know more about
advocacy opportunities, please contact me at 646-744-2911 or send an e-mail to pmichaud@alznyc.org.
 New Arrival for early-stage Individuals, their caregivers, and
professionals
Living Your Best With Early Stage Alzheimer’s: An Essential Guide
Author: Lisa Snyder, MSW, LCSW
A practical guide to coping with the diagnosis, effectively managing symptoms, finding
meaningful activities, planning for the future, maintaining hope and humor, participating
in research and much more. This book provides invaluable wisdom and tips from people
with Alzheimer’s and is a must-read for individuals with early Alzheimer’s and their
caregivers. Copies of the book are available by contacting Sunrise River Press,
North Branch, Minnesota (phone: 651-277-1400 or www.sunriseriverpress.com) or
at www.amazon.com.
|
|
| News | Events | Press | Contact
Previous
