How to Know When It's Time for Your Parent to Stop Driving

Top Risk Factors and Warning Signs
  Return to Class

about 6 years, said...

Thank you for sharing a wonderful information. You can now download facetime for pc and enjoy nice conversion with your friends and family members. You can use facetime for android or in pc.


almost 7 years, said...

I for one think cars are unsafe for use in public b/ c of the independence associated with the advertisement of cars, and the use of music stereos while driving.. I think pedal bike and greyhound bus should be the 2 ways of transportation


over 7 years, said...

All excellent points, but, still hard for someone to relinquish their keys, it's coming to grips that "things are changing" and no one likes changes. I commend those who come to the decision on their own, stating "Get rid of my car, I don't feel safe anymore." It happens. Makes it so much easier for the care partner as well, lessening our "bad guy guilt." I remember all to well the crisis I had 5 years ago when my brother was diagnosed with ALZ. He accepted the terrible news, it appeared that day quite well, the "No more driving," seemed his biggest concern at that moment. I am certain it was his way of coping, denial safer, still able to realize this was the start of many changes. Prior to his diagnosis during my er visit to him, I was in awe of him giving me directions with no problems, I didn't know these were long term memories for him. When I witnessed him driving for the first time, at his insistence, it was another red flag that something wasn't right. No doubt about it the no more driving, taking the many sets of keys, is right up there with all the other challenges, too many to mention. You ponder what stages are the hardest, but know none are easy. ALZ is a terrible disease for the afflicted and the care partner, it's life changing for everyone. Take each day and moment as it comes, treasure the good, try and bury the bad. God Bless All Caregivers


about 8 years, said...

thank that really helped


over 8 years, said...

I am the older person, wondering how and when my wife and children will tell me to end my driving. I think I am still a good driver, but that attitude might continue beyond the reality. Then, being stubborn could appear. I want to get the criteria clearly stated, with agreement with those who would feel responsible to apply the criteria to end my driving. It will be easier to take if I've helped set the stage.


almost 10 years, said...

I just turned 70 and I still think I can drive safely. However. Is it best to have hearing and eye tests ? I don't want to give up unless I have to.


almost 10 years, said...

The article assisted me 100% - thanx


over 10 years, said...

After struggling with my father who has dementia about driving, we finally came up with a simple solution. He had a full ring of old keys from his store. We put his truck key on that. He stuggled fiddling with the key ring and generally would give up not finding the key. After a few tries we then removed the key from the ring entirely (without his knowledge). This worked for us much smoother than denying on a daily basis him the keys to drive.


almost 11 years, said...

Nobody is going to "take" my keys away. I am giving them up of my own accord. I can tell I am not as quick, I miss things, I have close calls. I am 88, don't hear well and don't see well. I could kill somebody. I could cry as have driven for over 70 years, but it is time to quit.


about 12 years, said...

All of the information contained in this article was extremely helpful. It fits my 81 year old mother to a T! She is still very healthy and active, but she has cataracts and is hard of hearing in both ears, and she was not a good driver when she didn't have all of this going on! My sister and I have already talked about this issue and we both agree that it is going to be difficult to persuade Mom to give up the keys. In fact, I recently broached the subject to my mother to get a feel for the pending heavier discussion and she almost hung up on me! So I know it's not going to be easy, but it will eventually have to be done.


over 14 years, said...

I took my dads keys last year. I see now that I did the right thing. He is totally blind in his right eye, has dementia, and Parkinsons. When I took his keys he said he came to visit me but couldn't remember where I lived. So, that was my cue that it was time. He still thinks there is nothing wrong with him but he is a danger to himself and to others. BTW, he hit the same tree in the front yard 4 times in 1 week even though that tree had been there for over 30 years.


almost 16 years, said...

Thanks for having this info available. My brother asks me if we should take Dad's keys frequently but I don't think we should yet. I see by your suggestions that the things I have been watching are the same as you recommend so I feel better that my decision is the right one at this time.


almost 16 years, said...

This is helpful. My brother is 81 years old and has gluacoma. His night driving is really bad and daytime driving isn't much better in bright sun, but he won't give up his keys. This might help with aproaching the problem differently. Thank you.


almost 16 years, said...

Thank you. The "Warning Signs . . ." and the tips in "Go Driving with your Parents" were particularly helpful. The information was new to me--things I'd never have thought of!!


almost 16 years, said...

After almost having three accidents in 48 hours, I voluntarily stopped driving. I am somewhat mentally impaired but hadn't realized how it was affecting my driving. I'm sure that God was helping me realize this. I did not show the symptoms on your list but each of these accidents would have been all my fault. My Bible Study Group said "Thanx".