Driving and Dementia: How to Take Away the Keys
Jesica L. ThorsonJesica L. ThorsonTrying to decide when to take the car keys from a loved one can be one of the most challenging things on the journey through dementia.
Initially, the family may have a hard time determining if it is safe for the person to continue to drive. The ability to drive allows your loved one to continue to have their freedom and independence. While they may have memory loss, they don’t often forget that they can drive.
It is hard to know how your loved one with dementia might react when told they shouldn’t continue to drive. They may not realize how their diagnosis affects their ability to drive, and most individuals won’t conclude that it is time to stop driving. Your loved one may become very agitated at the suggestion of them doing so.
While things like taking away the car keys, disabling the car or selling the car may seem like a good idea, it may lead to more confusion and arguments.
When it seems like these options won’t work for your loved one, you may need to consider getting their doctor involved. Their doctor may be able to evaluate their mental competence and explain why their driving poses a threat to themselves and others.
If their doctor wants more details about your loved one’s cognitive ability to drive, he or she may recommend a driving evaluation.
There are many places in Indiana that will complete this type of evaluation, and they can be found under the Driver Ability Department of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The driver will need to refer to the list of Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists.
As a last resort, you may need to have your loved one’s driver’s license revoked.
The Driver Ability Department, at its discretion, may evaluate your loved one’s license upon a written request for driver ability review. All requests for review need to be submitted to the BMV on State Form 54750.
If the Driver Ability Department feels a review is warranted, they will notify the driver via mail and let them know their ability to drive is being evaluated. The notice will also include the Medical Review Form (State Form 54747). This form must be completed by the driver’s doctor (one who knows their medical history). The driver will have 60 days from the date of the notice to comply with the request. Failure to comply by not returning the information requested will result in the automatic invalidation of their driving privileges.
If you are in the difficult position of taking away the keys from your loved one, you should prepare to have some transportation alternatives quickly available.
