Need Driving Tests Specifically for People with Dementia

This morning I read an article/blog (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/dementia-sufferers-need-new-driving-test-20100420-srtr.html) from Brisbane Australia about the need for driving tests specifically for people with dementia. I agree. My husband, Dave, is 60 years old and had his driver’s license taken away last December.

Three years ago when Dave was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the specialist told me that it was up to me to decide when he wasn’t safe enough to drive our grandchildren (if we had them). I kept pushing that responsibility away because it felt too heavy. I was already adjusting to the increasing load of being a carer for my husband, without taking on this decision as well. But last fall I reached a point of clarity and realized that I had to get my head out of the sand. Dave was a danger on the road. He spent more time searching for wildlife in the fields and pointing out full moons (on blind corners) than the cars on the road.

For most people, driving is their ticket to freedom. I fully ‘get’ that. Dave loves to drive, and honestly, it was my ticket to freedom as well. It gave me time to be alone, while it gave Dave a sense of purpose and contribution as he did errands for me every day. Having a reason for getting up in the morning is what keeps us happy and healthy. This is one of the reasons why retired people who volunteer stay healthy—physically, mentally & emotionally.

When Dave lost his license, it has been more difficult than I imagined. Despite the inconveniences (9 km. from the nearest bus stop and added chores to my list), I understand why he shouldn’t be driving, but Dave can’t. One of the features of FTD is poor insight and reasoning abilities–frontal lobe. Although Dave has an amazing attitude towards accepting his condition, he is stuck in this area of driving. He feels cheated that he wasn’t given a proper test and that he walked into the doctor’s office with a license and walked out without it. There are 2 places in our province where he can appeal the doctor’s decision, but I am not willing to drive him or spend the money because I know he is not safe to be on the road. I would like to see a test which is easy to administer locally, affordable, and accurately tests their abilities. A test where the person with dementia has a sense (if that is possible) why he shouldn’t be on the road.

So my question is…how can we handle this issue with more ease? There is money going into researching the causes and treatments for dementia but what about the day to day reality of living with it? Where are the systems to help us deal with a problem which seems to be at, or near the top, of stresses for both the person with dementia and their family?  I would love to have a driver twice a week to take Dave where he wants to go, and to run some of my errands. He wouldn’t feel ‘trapped’ and I wouldn’t feel like I am bailing water out of a boat which keeps filling up. If you have suggestions or creative solutions I would love to hear from you:  hollyeburne@gmail.com.

© 2010 Holly Eburne