Follow
Share

Two months ago Dad fell and broke 5 ribs while walking the 96lb dog, The next day, we went to check on them (they still live at home without any care givers). We discovered he had forgotten or ignored the doctor's instructions about the dog and had taken the dog outside to the dog run (ice on steps). They had no dog food and the water bowl was frozen. We didn't want the dog, but took the dog so that he would not "forget" and try to walk the dog with 5 broken ribs. We went with him a month later to the doctor to see if his ribs were healed enough so that we could give them back their dog. We learned that he had decided not to refill any medication for the past year, including his memory medication and his diabetes medication. We went into action at that point to begin the process of implementing the power of attorney and to move them to a place where they can be cared for. This past month has been hell. We are driving his medicine to him daily because we don't trust that he will remember to take his medication if we don't personally take it there and watch him take it. His blood sugar levels are coming down slowly. Mom has more advanced dementia with all the ugly issues that go with it. We are verbally assaulted about taking their dog, about throwing out their ice cream, about asking them not to drive. We don't know how to reason with them. We are learning that all their neighbors refer to her as the crazy lady who yells at them if anyone parks in front of her house.
How do we take away their car keys? As power of attorney, are we liable if they have a car wreck? As of yesterday, they were approved to move into Independent Care, but this is going to take at least a week and that's if they are cooperative, which they are not.
Help we are at our wits end.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Are your parents in a reasonable state of mind? No. Then unfortunately they can't be reasoned with. The new normal.

They should never be given the dog back either. I know that's a very difficult pill to swallow. We think of pets as comforting and members of the family and how awful it is to deny your parents of the dog that they have loved and cared for but if your folks are unable to care for themselves, and it sounds like that's the case, then they can't care for an animal. And by the way, there's another post on this board about caring for a dog when one has dementia. It's in the "Questions" section. There are a lot of comments as well.

When I had to take the keys away from my dad he didn't have dementia. He was very social and I knew it was going to be awful. But we just had the discussion but again, my dad was a reasonable man at the time. Your parents aren't. Do you go to the Dr.'s with either of them? You can have a Dr. tell them that they are not to drive anymore (preferably a Dr. who is an older man as this generation tends to listen more to older male Dr.'s). Can you and your sibling(s) heavy-hand your folks into giving up their keys? As in, they give up their keys and that's that? This place that you moved them to, are there RN's, social workers, Dr.'s on staff? You all may have to get together and gang up on your dad about his driving.

As for liability, legally I don't know but I'm sure there are people here who will know from experience. Your mom has advanced dementia so that's a no-brainer about the driving issue. And if your dad can't remember to take his medication then he shouldn't be driving either. I think they're a liability on the road but legally, again, I don't know. I think the hallmark on the driving issue is if someone can't participate in their own care then they shouldn't be driving. You have to drive to your dad everyday to ensure that he's taking his medication. This isn't someone I'd want on the road with me.

You said that you moved them into a place where they can be cared for. Doesn't this place have staff that administers the medication? There are alternatives to your driving there everyday. Nursing agencies offer professional caregivers, usually a 2-hour minimum, and they do medication reminders. It's pricey though. However I do know some patients whose insurance pays for X many hours a day. It'd be worth looking into.

You did the right thing getting your folks into a more secure environment. All of this other stuff can be worked out and hopefully your stress with lessen some.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

My hubby's mom and dad were a little like this except they did not drive, so no one else was ever seriously injured. It did not end well. We did not really understand much about anything, and it is hard to say whether we would have gotten anywhere...BIL did actually go and try to get more help, but MIL threatened to call police on HIM and he backed off...social services did get involved finally, but we lost FIL to an aneurysm he declined surgery for and the house was a horrible disaster once we got back in. Social Services lady said not the worst she'd seen, but it was the worst thing we'd seen. I wish you well, this is tough stuff, the person who noted you will not be able to reason with them is correct. They have lost reasoning ability at this point. Don't be afraid of at least trying to do what needs done. The hatefulness is a barrier, but it is not because you are doing the wrong thing. My MIL was mad at us for throwing out a bottle of aspirin that smelled like vinegar...we all suffered with memories of the swarming cockroaches...before we realized just how bad it was, that it had gone way beyond MILs chronic mental illness...and even at that point, BIL was too ashamed/embarrassed to take photographs to document how hazardous it was in case we would have had to go to court to keep MIL from trying to go back and live there alone as she said she was going to do. You won't need be sorry you tried to help, even if they end up hating you for it. Document the conditions and document your efforts.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

You say that you will move them into independent living. I don't think that is the best place. I would say you need to at least put them in assisted living. There are nurses and staff to keep up with their medications and other personal needs. I had to take the keys from my dad this past year. I took them when he wasn't looking and don't regret it. He was furious for awhile, but I (and his doctor) kept telling him he could no longer drive. My brother and I moved the car from his house. I know it's heartbreaking and you have feelings of guilt. But how will you feel if he causes harm to someone else or himself. What if it were a child? Please do what you need to do to keep everyone safe and good luck.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

You are in a hard place because they are going to be totally uncooperative to move and resistant (if not total refusal) to in home caregiving assistance. Your only other option is to document all your observations and concerns for them to continue to care for themselves and call in APS.

APS will evaluate the circumstances and consult with physicians and coordinate services needed. Prepare yourself that they may evaluate as "not ideal, but not life threatening" and say they will revisit in 3 months or whatever. Then you have to decide not to enable your parents by rescuing them with bill paying, getting groceries, managing meds, etc....hard to do but it is for their own good so they don't hurt themselves or burn the house down. APS can consult with drs as well to have them fully evaluated.

If parents refuse services or dismiss services, then all you can do is report back to case worker.

I once read, parents are entitled to make decisions, even bad ones....hard for us children to watch and accept.

As far as the car, fill out the form and report to DMV. List the dr on the form. I think it should be mandatory for all seniors to have a drs note and take a driving test every year to renew their liscence after 75. If the car is not renewed then report to police and have it impounded and explain your concern. Request that they not allow dad to take back car without new liscense and drivers test.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

For god's sake if he has no license or registration, just call the cops and tell them what is going on. They will handle it.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Are you liable? You betcha, even I would sue you unless you called the cops.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Desert192 - I agree that in-home-care more closely aligns to parents wants and I pushed hard for this. But I was overruled b/c no one person can take on mom when she gets into one of her neurotic tirades. Also, Dad is a people person, so once we get him there, he will love getting to interact with lots of people.

Lucycat - I agree. But this place approved them to start at Independent care and will ensure both of them take their medication twice a day. They have a nurse 24/7 and they will not have to move or downsize as their health/circumstances decline.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

There are many reasons your parents should not drive, but I understand your frustration with the situation. I was in your situation at one time. One option is not to take the keys, but take the car. If you have access to the car with another set of keys, then drive it and tell them a light came on and you dropped it off to get fixed. Reasoning with them will not work. If they were driving with expired tags and license, then it really isn't going to matter what the DMV tells them anyway. There are many issues here. Depending on the state, you may also be responsible for their well being, meaning that if they really injure themselves, like falling again and you don't get help for them, then social workers may be called in. It sounds like you are doing the right thing in putting them in a facility that can handle them. Otherwise, you would need 24 hour in-home care and that can get expensive. When Dementia or Alzheimer's is involved, then there is always the chance that your parent could wander. You did a good thing by taking the dog. I am sure that you are under a lot of emotional stress. I am a care coach and would be happy to talk with you at no cost or obligation.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Clarification - They live in their home and will not allow anyone to come into their home. They are adamant that they want to stay in their house, continue driving, don't need help. Reality: Their finances were slipping (we've taken over and are fixing). He drives too fast and can get lost. Their car license and registrations were expired. He lost his cell phone (this could have been on purpose, b/c she called him constantly if he went somewhere with out her). They cant figure out how to turn on the TV. They go out twice a day for all their meals (and have for the past 15 years). They didn't have a working refrigerator (we got that fixed). We want to take their car keys, but they wont cook or allow anyone into their house. Therefore, we will have to move them into a place where they can be supervised.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

you can handle thru DR or DMV of their state. turn them in and state should send them paperwork to come in and take test or turn in license. do not trust them to drive ever again and if you don't get rid of keys and car they will find a way to get around it. do it now or you will regret it-its your responsibility.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter