Caring for a parent with neuropathy: When's it time to not drive?

Posted by tlsonksen @tlsonksen, Jun 23, 2019

I have a 77 year old father who has type 2 diabetes and suffers from neuropathy in his feet and hands. He and my mother still live at home and he continues to drive, mow the yard and walks for minimal exercise. He had open heart surgery in Jan and is doing well, but my concern is when do you feel it is time to suggest he retire from driving due to not being able to feel anything from mid calf down? I have noticed recently he doesn't have good balance, and he can only stand for minimal time before needing to lean on something or sit down. They also like to camp and haul a large 5th wheel camper, so that is a concern for a number of reasons. I am wondering if anyone out there has had to make a decision as to when is a good time to suggest he not be driving anymore do to being a hazard to others on the road. I also don't want to take away this freedom. Anyone else with any suggestions would be appreciated. thank you ---

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johnhans | @johnhans | Jun 26, 2019

As one who has actually gone through it myself I can say that those who suggest having a medical professional diagnose is the best way to reach the person who has problems with driving. I had a doctor who said I needed to stop driving and she sent me to an occupational therapist who also told me to stop driving. Those with neuropathy have slowed reaction times. A test for reaction times can show that. Also as John Bishop stated, it is wether or not the person can feel the brake. I could not so I was not able to tell how hard to push the brake.
If it is merely a problem of feeling the pedals, there are electronic controls and cheaper hand controls that will let a person use their hands. If you still have problems with response time then you do need to consider other options for transportation. As mentioned, there are senior buses. There is also paratransit in some areas. When I stopped driving about five years ago I went to paratransit. It is a big change though.

mannyk | @mannyk | Jan 23 10:51am

Hi, and I am glad to read about your dad's issues.
I have 10 years on him and also over 10 years of peripheral neuropathy.
Needless to say, I have tried just about everything. As of this writing, I will start a vibrating platform. It is supposed to rejuvenate the circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain and the peripheral blood veins. I am 85 and I am writing all this to you because of your concern about your dad driving.
The control of your feet is getting orders from the groin area.
I drive very well and I am in absolute total control considering that my balance is very bad and I walk with a cane.
So I think he is okay driving. However, I used to tow large trailers now in then in my younger years and it required more physical strength and more alertness considering the braking of the vehicle and backing up and up and down hills.
If he is comfortable with those peripheral situations then again his feet will answer to the groin that is getting the message from the brain.
I hope I was able to help.
Tell your dad to send me a few bucks for siding with him 🙂
Manny