Your loved one is taking longer and longer to run errands, their car is scraped and dented, and you suspect dementia and Alzheimer’s. Even if you’re unafraid of confrontation, it can be nerve-racking to have the conversation with your loved one that it’s time to take their car keys. It’s critical to do it not just for your loved one’s safety, but for the safety of everyone else on the road.

Tanesha Tyler-Carr is no stranger to this situation as a care consultant with the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes her back to discuss tips and resources for this scenario in the continuation of the Alzheimer’s series:

· Why it’s important to have this conversation

· Red flags to keep in mind

· How to prepare for the conversation about driving

· And more

Takeaways from this episode:

- 70% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia will wander at some point in time, meaning getting lost or stepping away from their environment.

- The Alzheimer’s Association website offers videos about having the conversation about taking the keys, how to plan, signs of unsafe driving, and what to do if the conversation is going well (or not going well).

- Get everyone in your family on the same page about the plan of action.

- If your loved one isn’t receptive to handing over the keys, try using an authority figure like a doctor, the police or even the DMV, which can offer a driving test to gauge their abilities and revoke their license if needed. 

Resources:

For more information on Alzheimer’s and driving:

Visit alz.org/driving

Call the helpline at 800-272-3900

Dangerous driving? It may be time to give the time to give out the keys:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7943cd8a/045-dangerous-driving-how-to-have-the-conversation-about-giving-up-the-keys

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/ 

Topics discussed:

Alzheimer's and dementia

Conversation tips

Dementia and driving

Taking the keys

Silver alerts

Car safety

Alzheimer's Association