Driving and Safety with Dementia

 Driving with dementia?

 Ask yourself this one question:  Would you put your child/grandchild in the front seat with this patient?  If you would not…then, please do not allow him/her to continue to have the keys.  You may save someone else’s child.

 Deciding when to ask for the keys or give them up is a very hard issue for families and patients.  Knowing the facts and how to talk about this subject is available in a free booklet called:                                                                     “At the Crossroads:  A guide to                                                            Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Driving.”  

Write to:                                                                                                                     

Handicap Placard

 You or your Loved One may be eligible for a Disabled Parking Placard. Some of the criteria is:  difficulty walking 200 feet without stopping to rest uses an assistive device (cane, crutch, brace), has a wheelchair, has a cardiac condition or severe arthritic, neurological or orthopedic conditions or has to have assistance from another person.  Application forms are available from the local auto tag office or county tax collector’s office.  The form must be certified by an authorized practitioner or agency.

A safe environment can reduce falls, getting lost and unforeseen accidents.  Some hidden dangers & ideas include:

• Cleaning supplies
• Knives
• Unplug Microwave
• Install “off switch for stove
• Water no higher than 120 degrees
• Remove locks from bathroom doors
• Medicine chest
• Supervise use of power tools, lawnmower, paints, chemicals
• Clean out refrigerator often
• Install “baby monitor”
• Light and open floor-plan
• Supervise smoking & alcohol
• Keep medications in a safe place
• Install grab bars
• Use contrasting colors for stairways
• Install night lights
• Cut off electric for garbage disposal
• Avoid electric blanket/ heating pads
• Disguise door with STOP sign or “bend” with wallpaper & paint