Articles
Alzheimer's and dementia: When to stop driving
Start the conversation
How to ease the transition
Remain firm as the disease progresses
Content
Starting the conversation
Making the transition
When to stop driving
Strategies for difficult transitions
Making the transition
Look for alternatives to driving and begin using them as soon as possible. Even if the person with mild dementia is still driving, you can begin the transition to other transportation options. These may include:
- Family members and friends who can provide rides for errands or appointments
- Delivery services for groceries and medication
- City or county senior transportation services
- Transportation services offered by community centers, houses of worship or other organizations
- Taxi or car services that allow you to set up a payment account you can manage
An additional passenger to travel with the person with dementia — to sit in the back seat together and chat — may help with the transition to being a passenger rather than a driver.