People with dementia should be engaged early about who should make important life-changing decisions on their behalf if they are no longer able to, according to research by occupational therapists.
One of the most important decisions families will face is the timing of when a person with dementia should stop driving, says occupational therapist Catherine Andrew from the University of Wollongong.
"It's very hard for drivers to accept they have to give up their licence as their symptoms progress.
"It's a symbol of independence. If it's taken away it can be devastating," says Ms Andrew, a speaker at an occupational therapy conference in Adelaide.
"Our research shows that involving the driver in the decision making process may be one of the best approaches.
"Having the difficult discussion soon after diagnosis about the right time for them to stop driving is more empowering than simply being told they can no longer drive."
She says even with pre-planning the process of taking away the keys can be difficult and cause family friction.
She advises that it could be best to ask a trusted family GP to have the conversation on the family's behalf.
A driver diagnosed with dementia is expected to notify their licensing authority they have a condition that may to affect their ability to drive safely, says Ms Andrew, who is an experienced driving assessor.
However, GPs have reported this may prevent people being honest about their symptoms because they don't want to lose their licence.
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