Try these tips to have productive discussions about giving up driving:
- Include others on an ongoing basis: The person with
dementia’s family members and friends, as well as professionals like
their doctor, lawyer, financial planner, and care manager can all
provide support for both you and the person with dementia on an ongoing
basis.
- Gauge the best times to talk: Pick times that
work well for the person with dementia’s attention span and energy
level. If the person with dementia becomes angry or agitated, gently end
the conversation and start it up again later.
- Be open: Make sure the person with dementia
feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Listen and
appreciate what the person with dementia thinks, as well as what others
involved in the discussion have to say.
- Be prepared for emotional reactions: Be ready
for reactions like anger and/or sadness, which may seem especially
extreme. Keep in mind that this may in part be due to the memory and
insight issues that are often associated with dementia.
- Talking about it is good to dispel feelings of frustration and loss.
It's a big thing, to give up driving after a long time. It signifies a
big change and can be very difficult.
Use this Not Going It Alone: Who can offer support? (click here) to help figure out all of the people who could provide support. It was produced by The Hartford. After reviewing the worksheet, when you close the worksheet's web page, it will automatically bring you back here.
See a wife having a supportive conversation about giving up driving with her husband who has dementia.
Source: Alzheimer's Society
See various family/friend carers having conversations about giving up driving with people with dementia. Although some of the content is specific to Australia, most of the ideas are helpful no matter where you live.
Source: Alzheimer's Australia Vic.