Mom lives with me in new city. She got lost once and it took police 6 hours to find her. I took keys-now she wants 'em back? She is 80 and has age related dementia (docs words). I will drive her anywhere she wants but I do work outside of home from 7 to 3. She sleeps until 10 usually but says she wants to do something other than sit all day. I gave her a list of simple chores and told her to take a walk around the block if she wants to get out.She's not real happy with me.
However, I would love to know if there are any tracking devices out there.
I have that same issue with my Dad as every once in awhile he will say he will drive... Dad had just minor age related memory issues but it's his physical decline that he tends to forget isn't driver friendly. Talking to Dad about the lack of safety when driving always went in one ear and out the other.
Now whenever my Dad says he's going to start driving again, I tell him don't forget to call the Insurance agent and tell her you will be back on the road, that way she can change her paperwork to you being the main driver and don't be surprised if your insurance fees double in cost. The words "double in cost" got his attention.
Best invention EVER!
I'd get lost in a new city. That is really not the point. Did she reason through what she should do now? Did she try calling someone for help?
Getting lost is the very least of the driving worries for someone with dementia. It would take just a few seconds of panic, just a few seconds of forgetfulness, just a fleeting moment of unawareness to result in someone's death.
Sorry that she is not real happy with you. I can understand that. But safety comes first.
It helped my husband some to get a solo mobility device -- a scooter -- for outdoor use. He could still go to get a haircut or to the library on his own.
If your Mom can get from point A to point B safely, let her keep on driving, otherwise you become her wheels, and when one is retired they want to get out of the house as much as they can.
I've been my parents' wheels for 6 years now, and it's to the point where I had to cut back my driving by 90% because it became too much for me. But my Dad will throw on the guilt because he wants to go here and there.... losing his independence by not being able to drive has been very rough on him, and on me, too.
Put yourself in your Mom's place, imagine if you could no longer drive.