He is currently going through chemo and has fallen at least 5 or 6 times in the house. He lost weight and is very weak from the side effects of chemo. Three to 4 days after chemo he can't stand on his feet and doesn't sleep well. He is not making rational decisions. Recently my daughter drove with him and he was weaving on the road although he got where they were going.
I'm very concerned being his POA.
Please advise.
Joe
Best of luck to you.
Would you ride with him?
I am guessing no.
From what you have described he does not sound safe at this time.
I say that because some of this might be caused by his current treatment. If he has not had problems previously it might be related. Meaning once he has completed treatment and regains strength he might be a safe driver. That remains to be seen. For now I would say he should not drive.
You can ask his doctor to say that for now he should not be driving.
I am not one to say that just because of a persons age they should not drive. There are ways to evaluate a driver and that should be done before he drives again.
The days Mark had immunotherapy and I couldn't get off work, a shuttle took him to and from appointments. Medicare paid for nine rides a year.
Giving up driving privilege is something many elders fight against. It is a loss of
freedom and mobility. Make sure it's his doctor or the motor vehicle department who gives the order for him to stop driving.
Be sensitive to his needs and his desire to get around by offering to drive him or setting up a ride app and showing him how to use it, or do it for him, so he doesn't feel suddenly panicked that he is unable to go where he needs.
Make it an easy transition for him.
Show him how easy it can be to order groceries and virtually anything else online to be delivered to his front door. It could be a relief for him to know how to get what he needs and get around without driving.
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