Follow
Share

My 90 year old father fell on Tuesday and hit his head on a brick wall. It was very bloody and required 7 staples to his head. Head CT was clear. But this was his 3rd fall in 2 months and I'm worried about him driving. I don't want him driving at ALL, but especially not after a head injury, but he is resisting. I'm waiting to hear from his doctor but would appreciate your advice. Also, he loves driving his golf cart around our retirement community at least once a day. I'm not wild about him doing that, either, since he drives at the speed of a snail, but it's better than having him in a car. Can we say stressed? I'm also getting ready for my own hernia surgery and was told on Monday that I have what is probably a cancerous spot on my kidney. It's been a rough week.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing

5 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Doctor's opinion: golf cart is okay as long as his mentation is good, but no car. Dad will listen and cooperate with that, especially since I'm here to drive him places (and have the keys). My brother will come when needed while I'm dealing with my surgery.

Dad's falling is a big problem and at least partially related to blood pressure issues. I'm pushing fluids all the time and the doctor has adjusted his meds twice (once on Tuesday) so we'll see if that makes a difference. But he's 90 and not that steady on his feet; add some other issue to that and wham! However, he's home which means the world to him and I want to keep him there as long as I can without undo risks.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
First of all, sincere good wishes on your upcoming surgery. I agree that asking Dad’s doctor if he should not be driving is the way to go. I would be concerned about his falling, though. Has his doctor addressed that? This might be a good time, while you are hospitalized and recovering, to enlist the aid of a friend or family member to ferry Dad around under the guise of “days out”. If you pull his license and/or car, you’ll have to replace them with something. Again, good luck on your upcoming surgery!
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
altopower, oh thank goodness you have the car keys.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
That would be me. And I can do it, we just have to work around my work schedule which isn't that difficult. He's just as stubborn as he can be - and also has dementia so doesn't remember what he's told for more than an hour, if that. I'm hoping to hear from the dr soon. In the meantime, I have the keys :)
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
altopower, honestly it would be up to your Dad's doctor to say if it was ok for your Dad to drive or not, as head injuries can be complex.

If I were in your shoes, I know I would be worried, too. Is there someone else who can drive Dad for a couple of weeks?
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

Recent Questions


Popular Questions


Related Questions

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter