When I had to "retire" my Aunt's driving privilege, I tried to soften this loss by replacing it with rides to her appointments by people she liked (relatives, neighbors, friends, church acquaintances). I then gave those volunteers a gift card to my Aunt's favorite restaurant so that the volunteer could also take her out for a meal afterwards. She loved it. Once she got used to not driving it was "easier" but she never stopped being a little bitter over it. People with dementia no longer have logic and reason so they can't bring themselves to a mental or emotional place of acceptance and peace.
I agree with the sooner-rather-than-later philosophy: my Uncle should have had his car removed because he went through a red light and was t-boned, killing his wife and dog on the passenger side. He then spiralled into depression and had to go into a facility since it ramped up his dementia.
What you said geaton about dementia not being able to bring people to an emotional place of peace. Really helps me understand what is going on with mom and so many!! Thank you
You should take away the keys sooner than later, as once ones brain is broken, their judgement is broken as well, and could very easily injure or God forbid kill someone because of their poor judgement. And if involved in an accident where someone is injured or killed, and it's found out that your loved one has been diagnosed with any of the dementias, they could be sued and literally lose everything they own. It's not worth risking any innocent persons life on the roadways because your loved one wants to keep driving or doesn't admit there is something wrong with them, So either disable the car in some way, sell it, or park it somewhere where your loved one can no longer see it. Will they be mad at you? Perhaps, but they will get over it in time and you will be able to sleep at night knowing that your loved one won't be jeopardizing anyone's lives by driving when they shouldn't be.
My dad stopped driving after his stroke and my mom stopped driving after her Parkinson’s diagnosis.
I am so sorry that you are facing this issue with your parents. I think you probably know that they are no longer able to drive responsibly.
Wishing you success in dealing with this difficult situation.
I agree with the sooner-rather-than-later philosophy: my Uncle should have had his car removed because he went through a red light and was t-boned, killing his wife and dog on the passenger side. He then spiralled into depression and had to go into a facility since it ramped up his dementia.
And if involved in an accident where someone is injured or killed, and it's found out that your loved one has been diagnosed with any of the dementias, they could be sued and literally lose everything they own.
It's not worth risking any innocent persons life on the roadways because your loved one wants to keep driving or doesn't admit there is something wrong with them,
So either disable the car in some way, sell it, or park it somewhere where your loved one can no longer see it.
Will they be mad at you? Perhaps, but they will get over it in time and you will be able to sleep at night knowing that your loved one won't be jeopardizing anyone's lives by driving when they shouldn't be.