Driving and Transportation Questions
47 Question and Answer Results
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Why does my father refuse to sell his car after having his license pulled by the DMV?
People face an unimaginable number of losses as they age -- including the loss of their closest friends and relatives, their physical vitality, and their independence. It's understandable that, confronted with so much loss, elderly people often try to hold tight to the areas of life where they still maintain some control... -
How can I be sure my mother, who lives on the other side of the country, is driving safely?
I know how stressful it can be to worry about a loved one who doesn't live close enough to visit as often as you'd like. Hopefully you have a family tradition of open, honest, and frequent communication. I'd recommend asking your mom how her driving is going. Has she encountered any recent problems... -
How can I persuade my father to stop driving?
It depends on what's prompting the doctor recommendations and if this was a firm, evidence-based diagnosis or an off-the-cuff, rushed remark. If there's any doubt, get a multidisciplinary assessment of his driving fitness. The American Occupational Therapy Association has a database listing certified... -
Can someone with Alzheimer's or dementia still drive?
As we age, we may experience occasional memory loss, known as “senior moments.” However, by the time we reach our mid-eighties, almost half of us will have more serious dementia. Similar to how we use “Cancer” to describe many different diseases, “Dementia” is an umbrella term used for numerous disoumerous... -
How can I get my father-in-law to stop driving even thought he's passed a written test?
Thanks for your question. This is such a tough situation -- trying to manage a difficult situation remotely, then add in the family patterns of communication (or not, in this case). -
Why would my husband have a driving restriction after having a seizure?
Thank you for your question about seizures and driving restrictions. Medical conditions that alter our level of consciousness impact our ability to drive safely. The more abrupt the change in consciousness, the greater the likelihood of a crash. Seizures are as abrupt as you can get... -
Why is my elderly father having trouble driving at night?
Many older drivers self-regulate driving behavior to be safe, so they'll avoid dangerous roads, driving in bad weather, or driving at night. I don't think you should worry about your dad being too cautious. This is probably an instinctive and very healthy decision.Our eyes change with time... -
How do we stop my mother with Alzheimer's from driving so recklessly?
The only way to take charge of this extremely hazardous situation is to TAKE CHARGE! If perchance your mom was to injure someone while driving recklessly, and your family was not only aware of the diagnosis but also of the danger, you would have to bear some responsibility for the results... -
Should I help my dad reinstate his driving privileges?
It sounds like your dad is grieving about his inability to drive. He probably feels a loss of his independence but on the other hand, down deep, he may acknowledge that he has some issues that may preclude him from safely driving. I would let your dad take the lead if he wants to reinstate his driving privileges... -
Am I liable if my parent causes a car accident?
As an older adult's driving capabilities diminish, many adult children worry not only about the parent's safety but also about their own liability for damages from an accident the parent causes. In general, adult children are not legally responsible for damages resulting from an accident caused by a parent... -
What's the best way to bring up the topic of unsafe driving to someone with Alzheimer's?
For starters, do everything you can to avoid a power struggle. Respect that as long as the driver is mentally competent and not a clear danger on the road, it's his or her decision whether to stay behind the wheel. Include the person in discussions of specifics and safety concerns so that, ideally, he... -
Could herbal supplements affect my mother's ability to drive?
You're right to be concerned. Many people don't realize that even though herbal supplements can be purchased without a prescription, they can still have serious side effects. Just like other drugs, herbal supplements can affect a person's physical and mental condition -- and that includes her ability to drive safely... -
What's the best way to transfer my mom from her wheelchair to car?
There are devices that can help you transfer her. A sliding board serves as a bridge from wheelchair to car. You put one end of the board under your mother's buttocks and the other side on the seat of the car, then slide your mother over to avoid having to lift most of her body weight. But its effectiveness depends on the make of your vehicle... -
Should someone with macular degeneration be driving?
Your mother may still be safe to drive since she is in the early stage of macular degeneration. In fact, in some states you only need vision in one eye to keep driving. -
Is there any law in South Carolina regarding restriction of driving after a stroke?
South Carolina does not require a physician to notify DMV when a patient has had a stroke but they will accept information sent in. Once a person's name is submitted to the DMV, and they have a new medical condition, they will most likely be turned over to the Medical Advisory Board... -
What are the family's liabilities if my parents, who should not be driving, cause an accident?
I'd recommend consulting an attorney to be sure. We live in a very litigious society, so I think you are right to be concerned. -
Will my air bags to more harm than good to my 92 year-old dad with osteoporosis?
Thanks for your question about osteoporosis and airbags. -
When a doctor documents that a person is "no longer safe to drive," what are the legal ramifications is that person gets into an accident?
The legal ramifications of a doctor’s assessment of unsafety depend on where the person lives. -
Since he lost his license, my father seems to have lost all interest in life. What can I do?
It isn't uncommon for elderly people to lapse into depression when they can no longer drive, and it sounds like that's what's going on with your father. If you can consider the situation from your father's perspective, you'll be less baffled by his behavior and better able to help... -
My mother needs help but is unwilling to accept it. What should I do?
At some point, our loved ones' choices seem to go from bad to worse. We see our parents spinning out of control and we know we are the only thing that stands between them and a disaster. We do for them what they did for us when we were in their care. We move them decisively out of harm's way. Often it is not appreciated...
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