The Impact of Disclosure of Unfitness to Drive in Persons with Newly Diagnosed Dementia: Patient and Caregiver Perspectives

Health professionals caring for those with dementia must frequently address fitness to drive, which is often the most difficult and emotional task in dementia care. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of patients with dementia who were told to cease driving and their caregivers. Most patients agreed with or resigned themselves to the geriatric team's recommendations regarding the need for driving cessation. Of those who did not, reactions included shock, anger, and denial. Almost all caregivers agreed with the recommendations to cease driving. Caregiver suggestions included: addressing the driving concern earlier, more detail about the tests, focusing on physical problems, providing a letter of explanation, and discussing alternative transportation. The study findings were used to develop a practical list of recommendations on how to address cessation to drive in patients with dementia.