Dad has mild memory loss (can’t work a washing machine or remember where he’s going), cataracts, poor hearing and is unsteady on his feet. He had his driving license taken off him 10 years ago. He’s now decided he wants a mobility scooter to cruise the narrow, steep roads with fast cars to go down to the shops. Very uneven pavements too. Should we discourage him? Do you need medical approval?
I have watched a man on a scooter riding on the sidewalk fall over almost in the road. This was from my office window. The sidewalk was uneven. TG a couple of people stopped immediately to help. After that he road in the road. We had a couple of clients who because of disabilities got them free. Only to find out that when the battery could no longer charge, it was $100 or more to buy a new battery. They could not afford it, so the scooter just sat.
If your Dad can't drive a car, he can't drive a scooter. I would also check the law in your area to see if they are allowed on roadways.
Are you speaking about the motorized scooter where the elderly person is seated and drives? They are very expensive without insurance. It’s difficult to get approved for insurance for these.
My mother’s neurologist said that people are turned down all of the time when trying to become approved for a scooter.
Best of luck to your dad. This must be so hard for you and your sister to witness.
I suppose that your dad wishes to be more involved in his life and feels like he has lost control of his life. That’s a tough position for him to be in.
Your sister probably only has so much time to devote to shopping and it’s hard for her too.
It’s frustrating for everyone. So sorry that you are dealing with this situation. Hope that you can find a viable solution soon. Best wishes to you and your family.
Isolation is a real problem for our seniors. They can not help but feel bad by being cooped up and being by themselves most the time, it does start eating away at their wellbeing. Find a way to change that for him.
I think COVID has reduced his visits and visitors this year.
I might see if I can organise something now.
Why won't your sister take him shopping? And why is he so keen to go?
If this is shopping as recreation (terrible timing for it, by the way) then you could have a look for community networks and volunteer associations in his area, and see if anyone has set up a seniors' minibus service or similar idea.
Could he use Uber?
He couldn’t use Uber, but could get a cab if he wanted.
How far away are the shops?