My step father blacked out at home and fractured a disk in his back and a month later he blacked out again. My folks are 92 and my mother’s memory is slipping. They were somewhat self sufficient and my step father was still driving.
Two weeks ago we moved them to an assisted living facility. They continually say they are moving back home.
How long will it take for them to realize they can no longer live at home and he shouldn’t still be driving?
Is there something his Doctor can do so he won’t be allowed to drive? He recently renewed his license.
My sister in NJ, who suffers from schizo-affective d/o & seizures, had her licensed revoked some years ago after she mowed down a couple of drug dealers on Mt. Prospect Ave.. Her oldest son plead w/ her to stop driving, as she was clearly a danger to herself and others. He went to the police and DMV, but apparently they didn't want to be bothered. It was Xmas time.
She's doing time. Not for manslaughter, but a bunch of charges that include a stolen BMW she hot-wired.
Speak w/ him and let him know his blackouts put his, your mother's, and other people at risk. Also consult with his PCP to find out the root causes of his blackouts. If the condition is temporary, his license should be suspended. If permanent, it should be revoked.
My plan was to ask his primary Dr. for help, Mom was in agreement but getting Dad on board was not happening. I was coordinating with the our city's Senior Social Service Dept to utilize their transportation service for Dr's appointments, grocery shopping etc in between me doing the same and the rest.
Dad had driven for 74 yrs! How hard it must be to give up this long held independence. I understood, I got it, I get it! But health, welfare and safety comes first and had it not been for Dad's own health superceeding the removal of the car keys, I would have followed thru with my plans and just be the bad daughter.
With all that being said, If your Paren't will not conform, get a Dr, Lawyer, DMV involved. I wish you all the best for all concerned.
Michael Froman
Sincerely,
Jill