Loss of independence--driving, horses, handling money--remain the the high stress elements of my wife's MCI.
There's an aphasia element in her decline, written and spoken communication has become almost impossible. She was denied a driver's license renewal last September, because she wasn't able to answer basic questions on the application form: name, address, DOB, Medical History, etc. If someone is with her in the car, she is technically a competent driver, but I, family, and friends, feel she is unsafe because she can become seriously confused in unexpected situations. I probably allowed her to driver longer than I should have, and I was relieved when the MVD refused to renew her license. However, she really doesn't understand why she can't continue to drive. I've become the bad guy. Explaining that she no longer has a license or auto insurance doesn't help. She is relentless in her efforts to take the car. We live in a small town and everyone knows her. About two years ago, another woman here with diagnosed alzheimer's drove off the highway onto a relatively remote two track and was found dead two days later. As you can imagine, pressure against mentally incapacitated individuals driving in our town is immense. It would not go unnoticed. For now I'm the enforcer, a job I obviously don't enjoy. I've considered trying to find some one to serve temporarily as an advocate who will take her through the license application, or even a medical opinion from our primary provider, thereby shifting the blame away from me. I've already talked with the PP and she agrees that my wife should not be driving. I don't see this problem ending quickly or easily and am wondering if anyone might recommend a strategy.