Robert...thank you for making such great suggestions. At first I try to be 'objective' but in reality I feel as strongly as you do about any driving confused.
Of course not all old people need to have their licenses taken away, but of course ALL of us should be evaluated on a regular basis to know that we can react properly to the demands of traffic.
Thanks again for your comments.. this exchange helps all of us!
MiaMadre's list of indicators is great and helps to make a review more objective. However, I think you already know that your dad shouldn't be driving. A very important component of "taking away" the keys is actually to find alternatives to maintaining his mobility.
For example, if you know he's going to the grocery store every few days, then why not send a nephew to pick him up and go along, nobody needs to mention that granddad is NOT driving this time.
Or if he has a regular senior center function, can the shuttle be sent over to pick him up? Tell him it saves on gas and is more convenient. Nobody needs to directly say granddad is NOT the shuttle driver.
Ask if he has any upcoming doctor appointment and mention you'd like to go along, as it gives you a chance to go to the pharmacy for some of your meds. Nobody needs to focus on the fact that you're driving and not him.
And at a comfortable time for all, make sure to talk to him and to take away the keys; or maybe just say "We'll help watch the car for you at our house."
Change requires alternatives, otherwise resistance is guaranteed.
I do not know what "slightly confused' means, but if he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or any form of dementia his driving skills should be evaluated on a regular basis. Have you noticed any changes in his driving skills? The Alzheimer's association has several articles on 'when to take the keys". Here are a few things that might help you decide. HOW to take the keys is another issue.
• Hitting curbs (while parking or driving) • Making slow or poor decisions. • Confusing the brake and gas pedals. • Problems with changing lanes or making turns. • Becoming angry, frustrated and/or confused while driving. • Getting lost in familiar areas.
If you notice ANY of these signs while driving with your father, have him evaluated by the Department of Motor Vehicle, even if you have to have them send him a request to be tested. Many states offer this service to help families with this very sensitive subject.
The link above provides printable material to help you make this decision. This article also offers suggestions on how to LIMIT driving by someone you believe to be empaired.
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Of course not all old people need to have their licenses taken away, but of course ALL of us should be evaluated on a regular basis to know that we can react properly to the demands of traffic.
Thanks again for your comments.. this exchange helps all of us!
For example, if you know he's going to the grocery store every few days, then why not send a nephew to pick him up and go along, nobody needs to mention that granddad is NOT driving this time.
Or if he has a regular senior center function, can the shuttle be sent over to pick him up? Tell him it saves on gas and is more convenient. Nobody needs to directly say granddad is NOT the shuttle driver.
Ask if he has any upcoming doctor appointment and mention you'd like to go along, as it gives you a chance to go to the pharmacy for some of your meds. Nobody needs to focus on the fact that you're driving and not him.
And at a comfortable time for all, make sure to talk to him and to take away the keys; or maybe just say "We'll help watch the car for you at our house."
Change requires alternatives, otherwise resistance is guaranteed.
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• Hitting curbs (while parking or driving)
• Making slow or poor decisions.
• Confusing the brake and gas pedals.
• Problems with changing lanes or making turns.
• Becoming angry, frustrated and/or confused while driving.
• Getting lost in familiar areas.
If you notice ANY of these signs while driving with your father, have him evaluated by the Department of Motor Vehicle, even if you have to have them send him a request to be tested. Many states offer this service to help families with this very sensitive subject.
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_driving.pdf
The link above provides printable material to help you make this decision. This article also offers suggestions on how to LIMIT driving by someone you believe to be empaired.