The ability to get out and about is an important element in living well with dementia. To participate in social activities and to have some degree of independence, despite a medical condition is vital to maintaining wellbeing and to live an autonomous life in the community for as long as possible. A loss of mobility has been linked with a reduction in quality of life and increased rapid cognitive decline for people living with dementia. Engagement in out-of-home activities, participation in cultural and recreational activities and in community life is not only pleasurable but can contribute to a reduction of cognitive deterioration.
To maintain social relationships and to participate in social activities is also vital for preserving cognitive health and emotional wellbeing. Conversely, a lack of social participation and social relationships has been shown to have a significant impact on the quality of life and mortality of people living with dementia.
However, mobility impairments and loss of driving can lead to people becoming isolated and house-bound, and at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Providing alternative transport options and emotional support for grief and loss are shown to lessen the negative effects of stopping driving. Our research shows that for people living with dementia, developing alternative transport habits and making lifestyle changes are best to occur in the early stages of dementia, while people are still driving, to allow room for adapting to changes.
The CarFreeMe for people living with dementia program provides support to older people who may be still driving but wish to plan ahead for a future time when they do stop, or they may have already stopped driving.
If you are interested in knowing more about the program or our current trials please contact Donna Rooney at donna.rooney@uq.edu.au . Telephone: 07 33656392 or 07 3443 2546 (or please leave a message)