Dear Social Worker,
My husband was recently diagnosed with dementia, and I’m concerned about his desire to continue driving. I don’t feel like it’s safe for him or others on the road for him to continue driving but he becomes belligerent and refuses to let me “take away his keys.” Do you have any suggestions on how to help me navigate this sensitive subject?
-Seat Belted and Scared
Dear Seat Belted and Scared,
This is a common source of frustration for many caregivers who start to see their significant others struggle with driving. There are a few options you can consider when you have concerns that someone may be an at-risk driver.
If your husband is unwilling to voluntarily give up his driving privileges, it might be time to bring in a neutral third party to make some observations. I recommend discussing this with your husband’s care team, since sometimes if this news comes from a medical professional, a person may be more willing to follow the advice.
Another alternative to consider is having your husband sign up for a driving assessment. The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute provides both a clinical evaluation and a road test. Their complete assessment will include a recommendation of whether your husband should continue driving. If so, driving with some restrictions may be advised e.g. limiting driving to familiar routes and/or only during the middle of the day, etc. The Driver and Vehicle Services of the MN Department of Public Safety is another option for a driver evaluation. After both a written and a road test, the Department will determine whether a person should surrender their license.
Losing the ability to drive is often associated with a loss of independence. It’s often helpful to provide transportation alternatives so that your husband can have the option of going places independently without having to rely on friends or family. The most extensive transportation option is Metro Mobility, which offers service throughout most of the Twin Cities metro area. There are multiple other agencies that provide transportation, depending on where you live.
For more information, you can contact our team at Senior Community Services by reaching out to our information line at 612-770-7005. You will be connected with a Social Worker who has specific knowledge about the area you live in and can direct you to the appropriate agencies.
Sincerely,
Leah Oslund, MSW
Senior Outreach & Caregiver Services’ Social Worker
