When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

 Driving safely requires a complex set of skills.  Research suggests that elderly drivers who are showing signs of dementia may no longer possess those skills.  Monitoring the progression of the disease especially as it relates to driving skills is a necessity. The Clinical Dementia Rating scale is a reliable way to determine whether or not it’s time for a senior to give up the keys.
Clinical Dementia Rating, or CDR, is a numeric scale that helps identify the severity of dementia.  This evaluation helps determine a senior’s ability to drive based on a score ranging from zero for no symptoms, 0.5 for mild dementia, two for moderate, and three for severe.
The test is given by a clinician who is specifically trained to administer, score, and interpret the results. The procedure is a bit time consuming for both clinics and patients but is worth the effort as a way to determine the current stage of dementia and how it may affect the driving abilities of the senior in question.
Seniors want to remain independent as long as possible, and determining just how long a senior can drive safely is often a cause of conflict. The Clinical Dementia Rating offers a neutral third-party opinion on the subject. Combining self-evaluations with the CDR has proven to be an effective way to determine if a senior is safe to continue driving after a dementia diagnosis.
If your senior loved one is no longer able to drive safely, consider reaching out to Home Care Assistance to find out how our experienced caregivers can provide transportation for appointments, errands, and events, as well as assist with other activities of daily living.
Call Home Care Assistance today at 661-259-9914 or 818-322-3588 to request a complimentary in-home consultation.