Transitioning From Driving to Driving Cessation

Abstract

Introduction:Because of the saliency of driving, loss of driving privileges often is very difficult for individuals with a dementia and an ongoing and emotional stressor for caregivers/other family members. Despite this loss, few community-based interventions exist to assist individuals with a dementia and their family members, with the driving cessation process. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of theoretical group interventions associated with loss of driving privileges for individuals with dementia and their primary caregivers. Methods: A total of 74 individuals participated: 44 individuals with dementia and 30 caregivers. Approximately half the participants attended driving cessation support groups designed to specifically assist with the driving issue; the remaining participants attended traditional support groups. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Results: The results reported here focus on the efficacy of the groups for individuals with dementia and reveal that theoretical driving cessation support groups are effective in ameliorating many of the negative consequences associated with loss of driving privileges for those with a progressive dementia.

Driving in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: An Integrative Review of the Literature

“…There is beginning evidence that support groups are effective in helping individuals with dementia and their caregivers address and adjust to driving cessation. One study found that engaging in a formal driving support group after the loss of a driver's license helped individuals with AD cope with the transition (Dobbs et al, 2009). In addition, supporting caregivers with a psycho-education group class specifically focused on driving cessation may improve their ability to address and cope with driving cessation with their loved ones with dementia (Stern et al, 2008).…”

“…Two studies examined the effect of support groups on adjustment to driving cessation. Dobbs, Harper, and Wood (2009) investigated the benefit of two types of support groups (driving cessation-specific support group versus general AD support group) for individuals with early-stage dementia who had their drivers' license revoked. Although all participants rated the support groups as helpful, the findings supported the driving cessationspecific support group as better at equipping participants to cope with the loss of their driving privileges.…”

The stages of driving cessation for people with dementia: needs and challenges

“…Investigation of driving cessation issues for people with dementia has highlighted similar losses (Jett et al, 2005). People with dementia are also noted to have restricted options in terms of transportation without driving (Perkinson et al, 2005;Dobbs et al, 2009). People with dementia are also noted to have restricted options in terms of transportation without driving (Perkinson et al, 2005;Dobbs et al, 2009).…”

When it is time to hang up the keys: the driving and dementia toolkit – for persons with dementia (PWD) and caregivers – a practical resource

“…Mobilizing family and community support and adequate follow up are strategies that can ensure a successful transition. Work by Dobbs et al [18] has shown that driving cessation groups designed to assist in the driving retirement process can mitigate the negative consequences of losing one’s driving privileges. Framing driving as a health issue and not a “taboo” topic can assist in shifting the focus from age to risk factors.…”

“…using various measures. [18] Changes in driving identity may require negotiation and acceptance over time, with family input and sensitivity [7]. …”