The Alzheimer’s Society of Grey-Bruce is trying to help those suffering from dementia determine when it is time to stop driving.
Public Education Coordinator Sandra Hong says it can be a very difficult topic for caretakers to bring up.
She says it’s a sensitive topic, because driving gives you freedom and independence, and dementia sufferers may not be ready to give that up.
That’s why she says it’s important to get an early diagnosis, and to determine one’s competence through the DriveABLE program.
Hong says just because you’re diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean your licence is automatically revoked.
She says there are signs to watch out for — like forgetting to fasten a seatbelt, or going through stop signs.
The Alzheimer’s Society is hosting a panel discussion Tuesday night that will explore all the factors in deciding when it’s necessary for dementia sufferers to give up the car keys.
The panel will feature Chris Hartley from the Owen Sound Police Service, Doctor Elyse Savaria from the Family Health Team, and Jackie Bizzell with the Closing the Gap Healthcare Group and DriveABLE.
Caregiver Gary Dale will also speak about his experiences with taking care of a loved one.
The Dementia and Driving presentation takes place at 7 PM tonight at Seasons Retirement Community in Owen Sound — formerly Chartwells.
