New South Wales - information and resources
Driving and Dementia Discussion Paper
Dementia Australia NSW has developed a Discussion Paper which looks at how dementia affects the capacity of an individual to drive and the impact on them and their families as they transition to a non-driver.
The research found that the travel needs of people with dementia largely become the responsibility of the family carer as the condition progresses. Research participants identified the high value of having easily accessible and appropriate information and resources about the process of driving cessation for people with dementia. A number of issues explored by research participants include: a lack of clarity about the legal and licencing requirements for a person with dementia; the various barriers to timely driving cessation and the lack of alternative transport options.
The Paper makes a number of recommendations for government and service providers to address these issues so people with dementia can remain independent and active in the community for as long as possible. Read the Discussion Paper.
The Fact Sheet summarises the pathway for a driver or family member when a diagnosis of dementia is received.
Staying on the move with dementia
With the number of people living with dementia in Australia expected to soar from an estimated 332,000 people currently to more than half a million by 2030, the NRMA and Dementia Australia NSW recognised the need for additional resources. They aim to ensure the person with dementia is supported to remain independent and keep driving for as long as it is safe to do so. When that is no longer the case, there must be appropriate support and information available to make what can be a really difficult transition from driver to non-driver as smooth as possible. Staying on the Move with Dementia is important to ensure people are informed of and understand their rights and responsibilities and are aware of alternative solutions to help retain their independence and mobility.
Staying on the Move with Dementia provides a raft of helpful measures around driving with dementia and alternatives for people when they can no longer drive. These include:
- How to identify early warning signs that dementia may be affecting someone’s driving
- Advice on how to help the person deal with the condition and how to prepare them for the time when they can no longer drive
- How to access alternative transport options when a person can no longer drive
In addition to the full booklet, a summary brochure has been developed