What to know about driving and memory loss
Driving is a complicated task. Caregivers
of persons with dementia
often face the challenge of what do
when that person is still driving. Good
drivers are alert, think clearly, and
make good decisions. When a person
with Alzheimer’s disease is not able to
do these things, he or she should stop
driving. However, he or she may not
want to stop driving or have the insight
to realize that there is a problem.
A person with some memory loss may
be able to drive safely sometimes. But he
or she may not be able to react quickly
when faced with a surprise on the road.
Someone could get hurt or killed. If the
person’s reaction time slows, you need
to stop the person from driving.
As the caregiver, you will need to
have the diffi cult conversation with
the person about the need to stop driving.
Do this in a caring way. Understand
how unhappy the person may be to admit
that he or she has reached this new
stage. Try to empathize with the feeling
of loss the person with dementia might
be experiencing. They are losing control
over their life and their cognitive functioning.
Here are some other things to know
about driving and memory loss:
• The person may be able to drive
Grandparents called upon to raise grandchildren
COURIER L 44 IFE, AUG. 16-22, 2019
short distances on local streets during
the day but may not be able to drive
safely at night or on a highway. If this is
the case, then limit the times and places
the person can drive.
• Some people with memory problems
decide on their own not to drive, while
others may deny they have a problem.
Signs that the person should stop
driving include new dents and scratches
on the car. You may also notice that the
person takes a long time to do a simple
errand and cannot explain why, which
may indicate that he or she got lost.
Eventually, driving will become unsafe
for a person with dementia.
Here are some ways to stop people
with Alzheimer’s disease from driving:
• Try talking about your concerns
with the person.
• Take him or her to get a driving
evaluation
• Ask your doctor to tell him or her to
stop driving. The doctor can write, “Do
not drive” on a prescription pad, and
you can show this to the person.
• Hide the car keys, move the car, remove
the distributor cap, or disconnect
the battery.
Try to keep a positive spin on the conversation.
Although the person can no
longer drive, there are many ways to get
around. Ask family or friends to drive
the person to appointments and social
outings. Find out about services that
help people with disabilities get around.
These services may include free or lowcost
buses, taxi service, and carpools.
Car services like Lyft, Juno and Uber
are easily available throughout the city.
If the person with Alzheimer’s disease
won’t stop driving, ask your physician
to complete a New York State
Department of Motor Vehicles medical
review form. The person may be asked to
retake a driving test. In some cases, the
person’s license could be taken away.
This is a particularly sensitive issue
and it is helpful to speak with someone
about the challenges you are facing
related to dementia and driving. You
can call always call the CaringKind 24
Hour Helpline 646-744-2900 for more information
and tips.
Wellness
Care
Chronicle
Jed Levine
Older adults whose children
have grown up often
look forward to the
next stages in life, which may
involve retirement, downsizing,
and enjoying visits with
their grandchildren. A growing
number of aging adults
may fi nd themselves playing
a key role in their grandchildren’s
lives.
According to data from the
U.S. Census Bureau, 2.7 million
grandparents across the
country are stepping into parental
roles for their grandkids.
Some assist their adult
children while others have
become the primary caregivers.
Factors like military deployment,
illness, incarceration,
and substance abuse are
forcing grandparents to take
on responsibilities they may
have thought were over. PBS
reports that, between 2009 and
2016, the number of grandparents
raising grandchildren in
the United States rose by even
percent.
Although raising the next
generation can bring about
many rewards, including security,
sense of purpose, a deeper
relationship with family, and
social interaction, there are
many obstacles as well. That
includes the fi nancial strain
that raising children can place
on individuals unprepared for
the cost of child-rearing. Census
fi gures also show that
about one-fi fth of grandparents
caring for children have
incomes that fall below poverty
level. Grandparents may
be rusty concerning safety
requirements and equipment
now needed to care for grandchildren
as well.
As grandparents navigate
the unexplored waters of raising
grandchildren, there are
certain factors they need to
consider:
Legal advice or
advocacy
Certain circumstances
may require grandparents
to seek legal help so they can
raise their grandchildren in
lawful ways. If there is neglect,
divorce, arrest, or other
factors, it may be a smart idea
for grandparents to seek the
help of an attorney or advocacy
group to clarify their legal
rights and ensure access to
grandchildren.
In addition, grandparents
may need certain legal documents,
such as a power of attorney,
citizenship papers,
adoption records, or consent
forms.
Get educated
The rules have changed
since grandparents raised
their own children. It is important
they learn as much as
possible on child safety guidelines.
Consumer advocacy
groups or pediatricians can
help explain how guidelines
have changed. New furniture
and toys that meet current
safety guidelines may have to
replace older, unsafe items.
Take care of
yourself
Raising grandchildren
can be emotionally taxing,
especially if poor circumstances
led to the grandchildren
being placed with family.
It is crucial to recognize
feelings and one’s own health
when caring for others.
A grandparent who is
exhausted or overwhelmed
may not offer the appropriate
care. Emphasizing one’s
own mental and physical
health is essential, as is getting
help and advice when
it’s most needed. The organization
AARP recommends
compiling a list of support
services, such as respite
care providers, counselors,
and support groups.
Grandchildren will
have feelings, too
Children, whether they are
old enough to understand or
not, may react to change differently.
Some children may
act out while others may grow
detached. Grandparents can
focus on providing stable environments
and offer support
and consistency even if grandchildren
are withdrawing or
pushing their loved ones away
with words or actions.
Raising grandchildren
can be complicated, but it
has become more prevalent.
It can take time for these
new family units to find
their grooves. More information
is available at www.
aarp.org in their GrandFamilies
Guide.
/www.aarp.org
/www.aarp.org
/aarp.org