Alternatives

If you have been told you are no longer able to legally drive by the DVLA, or even if you have decided personally that you wish to stop driving, it is not the end of your freedom. There are many other options available to help you keep mobile and active without owning a car. An option that you could choose may be public transport. Buses, trains, trams, and ferries are all viable means of getting out and about. Depending on your age, you could also be eligible for a travel pass for free, or at a reduced rate.

For those of you who live in isolated or rural areas, public transport may not be adequate to get you out and about as much as you'd like to be. In these circumstances there is always the option of private hire, or hackney taxi cabs, but these could prove to be expensive in the long run. If you have any family members who would be willing to help out with the occasional journey please don't be afraid to ask them, especially if you need to travel during unsociable hours. If you are involved in any local charity or community based schemes or workshops, it is probable that they can offer a shuttle service to get you to and from the activity that you are attending. Please check directly with them to see what's available.

If you have been diagnosed with Dementia and live in the UK, it is likely that you will be eligible for financial help in the form of benefits. Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance (if you are 65 or over), are good examples of this. You will need to apply for whatever benefit matches your personal circumstances. Information on Disability Living Allowance can be found by clicking here, and information on attendance Allowance can be found by clicking here.

In addition to these benefits, you may also be eligible for The Blue Badge Scheme which is a service for people with mobility problems that enables badge holders to park close to where they need to go. The badge can be used in any vehicle that you are travelling in, irrespective of whether you are the driver or the passenger! The scheme operates throughout the UK, and is administered by local authorities who deal with applications and issue badges. Information on the blue Badge Scheme can be found by clicking here.