Dementia Care, 4 Suggestions on How to Take the Car Keys Away from a Person Living with Dementia

Our expert Rita Jablonski wrote a very useful article with 4 suggestions on how to take the care keys away from a person living with Alzheimer's or a related dementia.This is a majorproblem for most caregivers and often leads to a lot ofanxiety, stress and arguments.Alzheimer's Care, Don't ArgueAmazingly, Dotty often told me she hired an attorney, and he was going to get her license back for her so she could start driving again. She was still telling people she was driving every day for years after I took her car keys away.Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:Here is an excerpt from her article.1.Take a “break” from driving.In my practice, I often tell the person with dementia (PwD) that I want him or her to “take a break” from driving until I can see them again (3-6 months later).Most times, the PwD is unaware that he or she has memory problems and will hotly deny it if someone brings up the topic. I try to use a physical, non-threatening reason for the “break” (see #2).Think about it: what feels better to you, “Give up chocolate for a couple of months” or “You can never have chocolate again”?Read Rita's article.Dementia 401*: 4 Ways to NICELY Take Away the Car Keys (or the Car!)More on Alzheimer's and DrivingThe Fit to Drive Test for Dementia PatientsDriving with Alzheimer's Can Mean DeathHow to Explain to Someone with Alzheimer's Disease that it is Time to Stop Driving7 Signs and How to Get a Person Living with Alzheimer's to Stop DrivingHavin...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimers care tips alzheimers driving care of dementia patients help alzheimer help dementia taking away car keys dementia taking away the car keys suggestions for caregivers Source Type: blogs