We continue to be concerned about the possibility of Dad driving. He seems to be aware most of the time that he is not suppose to drive. But he still thinks about it from time to time. Yesterday, Kay took him to 9:00 Mass, then they went to Meijer to pick up a few things. He also wanted to go to McDonalds, so she took him there. But when they got home and pulled in the driveway, Dad said "Why don't you leave the car out, I may go for a ride later." Kay reminded him that he is not supposed to drive, but he rationalized that the he thinks he has adjusted to the medication and not driving was just the doctor's idea anyway.
People always tell us to take away his car keys. But that is easier said than done. Each time he comes out of church, the store, etc., he unlocks the passenger side himself to get in. And Dad's car is a big part of his identity. We have thought about trying to get a key that would unlock the door but not start the ignition.
I just want to mention too how lucky we all are to have Kay helping Dad out. It's not an easy job and takes an enormous amount of patience.
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I checked into a key that would not be programed to start the car but would open the door, but they don't make one. They origionally thought they may be able to make the key but not put the programing chip in it but realized that if the unprogrammed key were used to try to start the car that a security alarm would sound and it would confuse the whole system. I also asked if they could change the passenger lock completely and it would have it's own key. They can not do that either. - Gretchen
ReplyDeleteTell Dad's Doctor that prescribes the medicine that Dad plans to drive, and tell him the logic Dad used. If the medication says Dad shouldn't be driving, then the Doctor may be liable to stop Dad from driving. The doctor may be able to shorten the time between prescription refills, and may require a visit to refill a prescripting to more closely monitor Dad, and to reaffirm with Dad that he is not to drive while under the medication.
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