When someone is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it’s not safe for them to have access to a working vehicle. A car accident could injure or kill them or another person. But taking away someone’s keys often also feels like an attack on their autonomy.

Harvard Health has some advice about how to handle this tricky situation, if you need to intervene with a parent or another family member who should no longer be on the road:

Ideally, a tactful and respectful approach will preserve the person’s self-esteem while getting them off the road. Some people may agree to stop driving for other reasons — for instance, the car needs repair or the license or registration has expired. You can also opt for a road test with a driver’s rehabilitation specialist, who can offer an independent assessment of safety. People with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes take seriously a written prescription from a physician that says, “Do not drive.”

The post adds: “If all else fails, you may need to seek advice from a lawyer or an official with the Department of Public Safety in your state.” Another good resource is North Shore Bank’s new Caregiver Support program.