Concerns about Driving Safety

If your care recipient demonstrates a loss in judgement, vision, hearing, or another cognitive function necessary for managing a vehicle, it may be time to address the issue directly.

• Suggest that you take a driving class together
• Check your local area agency on aging or AARP for classes
• Let someone else be the "bad guy"
  • Ask the physician to talk to your care recipient about the physical reasons that make it unsafe to drive 
  • Inform the care recipient that the insurance company will not cover them due to health concerns
  • Inform the care recipient that the DMV will not renew their license due to health concerns
  • Get (or put) the above information in writing to show to the care recipient when they forget
• Do not ignore the issue; it would be tragic if your care recipient put someone else's life in danger
• Hire a home care provider or companion to drive 
• Be understanding that it is a huge loss of independence to lose the privilege to drive
• Ask the physician to write a prescription stating that it is no longer safe to drive so you can show it to your care recipient if they forget
• Disable the car; a mechanic can install a kill switch in most cars that can be easily re-activated
• Hide the car keys