Elizabeth Dugan
Caring.com Expert
- About
Elizabeth Dugan, a Fellow of the Gerontology Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston, is the author of Driving Dilemma: The Complete Resource Guide for Older Drivers and Their Families.
Recently Published on Caring.com
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Saturday September 12, 2009
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How do I help, from a distance, my elderly father care for my disabled brother?
Answer - Observing declines in a loved one and not living close enough to be of much help is a special stress more and more of us are feeling. Hiring a geriatric social worker who is local can be a lifesaver. Hospitals, aging service providers, or the local council on aging may be able to connect you to someone... -
Can I legally remove Dad's car?
Answer - Boy this is a sticky situation. I recommend talking this over informally with your local law enforcement officials. Unfortunately they have to deal with drunk driving every day and may have some advice on how to keep your step-dad safely off the road. -
Can my mom continue to drive if she taking Aricept?
Answer - Driving is regulated at the state level, so it depends where your mother lives. But, yes, some states do terminate a driver's license once diagnosed with dementia. Among experts there is a lot of controversy about this because diagnostic equipment is so advanced that we can diagnose someone much earlier...
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Wednesday April 08, 2009
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My generally healthy (but diabetic) mother was recently told to stop driving. She wants her car back, badly.
Answer - The vision standards for driving fitness are set at the state level and vary state by state. I'd recommend checking to see what her state's regulations are. Her vision impairment may clearly place her in the "unsafe and not legal to drive" category and that will make the discussion about whether she can drive or not moot... -
My generally healthy (but diabetic) mother was recently told to stop driving. She wants her car back, badly.
Answer - The vision standards for driving fitness are set at the state level and vary state by state. I'd recommend checking to see what her state's regulations are. Her vision impairment may clearly place her in the "unsafe and not legal to drive" category and that will make the discussion about whether she can drive or not moot... -
What are the family's liabilities if my parents, who should not be driving, cause an accident?
Answer - 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.
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Monday September 29, 2008
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How can I get my uncle to stop driving and move into a retirement community?
Answer - Communication is the best tool at your disposal. Try talking with your uncle, using motivational interviewing techniques (described in my book The Driving Dilemma and in articles on this site) to find out how he views the situation.
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Friday August 15, 2008
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How can I gently approach the subject of handing over the car keys with my dad?
Answer - It's time to work closely with your father's health care providers. Driving requires the ability to see, think, and move. Parkinson's symptoms and treatments may impair driving fitness and it sounds like your father has both cognitive and motor skill issues.
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Friday August 08, 2008
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How do I get my husband to stop driving as the doctors say he must?
Answer - Find out what the process is for reporting medically impaired drivers to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. Ask the physician to submit the required paperwork. This should trigger a licensing action (e.g., order to surrender license, testing). You may be able to submit a report as well. Contact your local police department...
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Friday May 23, 2008
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Should someone with macular degeneration be driving?
Answer - 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.
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Thursday May 22, 2008
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How can I persuade my father to stop driving?
Answer - 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...
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Wednesday November 21, 2007
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Should my dad be driving with mild dementia?
Answer - Your concern is well founded. All forms of dementia can undermine memory, attention span, vision, and judgment -- which can seriously erode one's ability to drive safely. Some people with dementia lack the judgment to realize that they should no longer drive. All the same, if your father's dementia is mild, it may be OK for him to continue driving for now... -
How can I be sure my mother, who lives on the other side of the country, is driving safely?
Answer - 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... -
Why is my elderly father having trouble driving at night?
Answer - 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...
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Wednesday September 12, 2007
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Could herbal supplements affect my mother's ability to drive?
Answer - 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... 1 Comment
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