When to know

ehinders85

I currently live with my mom and she was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimers six months ago or so. She is definitely starting to change but its hard for me to tell because I am around her all the time. She still drives, etc., and I am not sure when I will know i should take her keys away, etc.

SDianeL

Welcome. Sorry about your Mom’s diagnosis. The time is now. A diagnosis in her medical records means that if she’s in an accident, even if it’s not her fault, she could be sued and lose everything. Her insurance company could refuse to pay. Dementia is more than memory loss. It affects visuospatial awareness. They can’t judge speed or distance. Will her doctor tell her to stop driving? That way you could blame the doctor.

H1235

Welcome. I agree with SdianeL. Even the early stages of dementia are iffy for driving. There is just too much on the line. She could kill someone or herself. It’s not worth the risk. She will never come to you and say I’ve decided I shouldn’t be driving. Many with dementia have anosognosia. This means she can’t recognize her own symptoms or limitations. It makes things so difficult. In my area there is a place the doctor can refer you to for a simulation driving evaluation. I think it’s probably more through than the dmv. But honestly if she is far enough along to have a full dementia diagnosis she probably shouldn’t be driving. If you think this will be a fight ( it usually is), you might try telling her the car is in need of repair and take it to someone else’s house, she could “lose” her keys, you could do something to disable the car. I know these things seem deceitful and dishonest, but if you are upfront with her and tell her she is not capable, it probably won’t go well (but you know her best).

ehinders85

Thank you both so much! I am trying to feel her out and make sure she will have rides because I can't drive. Transportation is now a big issue because she has very few options in getting to her doctor's appointments and the library etc. She usually drives those places and I dont know how to get there now.

H1235

I would contact your local commission on aging. They might have some kind of driving service for the elderly. It might just be a good resource. Does your town have any public transportation? I would not let her use public transportation alone though. Are you able to go with her?

psg712

Many counties have transportation options to medical visits for those who can't drive.

ehinders85

Thank you both! We use a service for a few things but it gets expensive. I could possibly check too with the agency on aging about her Medicare benefits. You are being so helpful, I really appreciate it.

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/266684#Comment_266684

Medicare does not cover transportation. Some Medicare Advantage plans do. Medicaid does if she could qualify financially. In some states you can have both Medicare and Medicaid.