Need advice about how I got my parents to stop driving.

mlowe6

I have posted before. Both parents have cognitive issues. My dad recently drove on a suspended Drivers license with no I’d. My mom turned off the cameras in the house to cover it up and told the other caregiver she would protect her husband at all cost. I begged and pleaded to her conscience to give me the rest of the keys. She refused so we had found another key laying in the basket where my dad took the keys to the car and took off. So we took as many keys as we could find and then put the steering wheel lock on the car was this the right move to make? I do have DPOA!

Emily 123

Hi mlowe6--it looks like most of your responses to this question are under the 'general discussion' thread...

ladygrayfox

Depending on how well your parents are at troubleshooting "car problems" at the stage they are at, would disconnecting the battery work? My cousin's mom had Alzheimer's but did really well on her own for years and to stop her from driving, he just disconnected her battery. She'd try to turn it on, give up, then call him for a ride.

CindyByNature

Not sure what state you are in, but I recall my mom wrote a letter to the DMV for Georgia when she and her siblings were concerned about my grandfather's driving. In response, the state requested that he take a driver's test, which he failed and ultimately surrendered his license. It may be an option for you if needed. Wishing you peace on this difficult journey.

irene912

Yes, do what you have to to stop them. With my mom, her doctor talked to her about driving, it being unsafe due to slow reaction time, not wanting her to hurt others or herself. I came VERY close to asking her doctor to write the MVA, as someone else suggested for a driver's test. It has to be done to keep them safe.

pete_johnson

I agree with disabling the car. That worked well with my Grandfather. Disconnecting the battery is a good place to start.

Gif

In Utah, the University of Utah has a program for seniors. They take a over the road driving test with an instructor. If they fail the test the instructor makes the recommendation not to drive. It take a bit of the pressure off you. You could check for such programs in your area.