My mom has slight Dementia. She basically is at the stage where she gets terribly confused over the simplest everyday things. I've already been taking care of her checkbook and bills for several years now. I also have POA, thank goodness.
She hadn't driven in over a year because of hip-replacement surgery as I've been the one driving her to and from appointments. Every now and then she'd bring up the subject of driving again..and I'd hedge her off by making excuses.
Told her we'd ask her PCP next time we see him and see what his thoughts were. You don't know what a relief it was (for me anyway) when he shook his head "no" and brought up her current health concerns of dizziness and arthritis as reasons why she shouldn't...didn't mention the confusion and forgetfulness she has which was very kind of him.
I've told Mom at least three times now that she has the beginnings of Dementia and that's why she was put on Aricept (stopped taking it; made her too nauseaus)...but she never recalls me telling her. Each time it's like she is hearing this for the first time.
Needless to say, she's upset that she's lost her independence to drive (she never drove much, let alone get on an expressway...ever!) so I think it's just the fact that she can't hop in the car to go to the dentist on her own or the corner store, is what's bothering her most. Today when I talked to her she has it in her mind that the doctor only thinks this is temporary, and I had to reinforce that this was for the long haul.
I've stressed to her how it would be worse if she hurt someone she didn't see (has vision probs too) or hurt someone else, but I can tell she is depressed about the whole thing in general.
How do all of you cope with telling Mom or Dad that driving days are overwith? Do they eventually stop talking about it and forget about it, or does it leave a lasting impression of a feeling of defeat?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
