No more Driving

I went through this with a family member years ago. Let the doctor do all of the talking. If it comes from the doctor (I spoke with the doctor on the phone about the family member's response time on the road being so much slower) they realize it must be the right thing to do then. We were all concerned for their well being and others on the road as their judgement was not what it use to be. When the doctor told them, they were angry, but, eventually accepted it and we took turns taking them to their appts., running errands, etc., I gently told them on the way home from the appointment, "You don't want to have an accident and hurt yourself or someone else do you?" They said, "No". They went through some depression with this. That is a very hard thing to go through. You are giving up much independence when you can no longer drive. Keep encouraging him that you are there for him and can take him to the gym or wherever he needs to go. I'm so sorry. Praying for you and your husband. Hugs....

In my experience doctors don't get into this with patients. I got our doc to write my mother a letter which she ignored. What worked was a driving evaluation- cognitive and on the road- which she failed miserably and they took her license on the spot.

I got her there by telling her that if she was sick and tired of people telling her not to drive, she should go to the evaluation to prove she was able to. It felt manipulative but she never got angry at me, only at the rehab folks. She talked about hiring a lawyer for a couple of weeks and then forgot about driving.

Thanks for your caring reply. I agree. Let doctor do the dirty work. He goes back to neurologist in a couple of weeks. I’ll give her heads up to be firmer. He also has regular doctor in July. I will ask that doctor too. Thanks again.

These driving evaluations are so backed up. Hard to believe but I am waiting since mid April. Like I said hoping he will just give up before evaluation. Thanks for your input.

Wow I scheduled my mother's right away. Have you called all the rehabs in your area?

There’s only one place we can go. I’ll call them next week to see what’s going on. Thanks

My husband was able to get his license with no restrictions may 8. Due to TIA and lewy Body Dementia diagnosis mar 9. I have not ridden with him in quite a while. He is very angry about that. I tell him he can concentrate better when no one is in car with him. Because of diagnosis he has to be tested l every 6 mos. He has appt nov 8 at courage kenny a private driving company that will be more intense. I am very nervous about him driving. He says “he is fine”. He was a drivers ed teacher. It is very hard. The neurologist can say this is what u need to do but cant make you unless he deems unfit to drive.
It is very hard. I feel for your situation.

Thanks for your thoughts- this is such a terrible disease, symptom-I don't know what to call it. I cannot stand living this way and if my hubby knew what was really happening to him he would not want this. Thanks!

The docs cannot take the license away. Rehab driving evaluations can, on the spot. I learned that the hard way after many efforts to get the doc to do something. Sometimes a member of the public calls the police but that happens in extreme situations. Our doc wrote my mother a letter telling her she should not be driving and of course that had no effect.

Yup I know doctor can’t do anything but tell him he shouldn’t drive. Told him he would feel better if he makes it his choice rather than being told after evals they are taking license away. It would be great if he passed but I just have no idea. I’m working on it. Thanks for your thoughts.