‘We’re not doing it to be nasty’: Caregivers’ ethical dilemmas in negotiating driving safety with older adults

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this research was to investigate how informal caregivers of older adults cope with and negotiate driving safety when their loved one is no longer safe to drive. Fifteen informal caregivers of an older adult living at home took part in the present study. Participants cared for individuals with a range of health conditions that significantly impaired driving safety, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and stroke. A thematic analysis of participants’ accounts identified the complex interpersonal, social, and organisational context they encountered when their loved one did not recognise or acknowledge limitations in their ability to drive. This analysis highlights the ethical dilemma at the heart of caregivers’ experiences and identifies stake and blame as key considerations in the development of sensitive and effective policies and practices.