| Author | Subject: Dialysis patient's driving |
| Allen Wood | Posted At 07:37:11 01/08/2002 My father is 82 and has been on hemodialysis for a little over three months. His condition is complicated by two heart stents and the onset now of cataracts. He has had a lot of adjustment problems. We are now faced with a problem I had hoped we would not have to make so soon. He still wants to drive on non dialysis days when he feels good, which was fine. Now his driving is really not good. I know there is no easy way, but do any of you have any suggestions to help in getting him to stop driving. Every loss of independence is another setback and we don't want him to give-up. Thanks. |
| Dori Schatell | Re: Dialysis patient's driving (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 21:42:07 01/11/2002 This is a tough question that many family members of elderly people must grapple with at some point. Taking away a driver's license can often mean taking away independence--yet any of us can be endangered if drivers who are impaired by medication use, fatigue, poor vision or hearing, or other causes are out on the roads. In your father's case, are there ways for him to get around if he can't drive? (I.e., family members or friends who can drive him, cabs or disabled transit systems he can afford, places he wants to go that are within walking distance for him). Having alternatives ready may help ease the transition. I know that other families who have coped with this issue have done a couple of things that might help you: -- You might point out that he would feel terrible if he caused an accident and injured or killed someone (balancing the loss of independence) -- Tell him the alternatives you come up with -- Ask his doctor to talk to him about the problem or even to tell him that he can no longer recommend driving (you would probably need to talk to his doctor first) -- Report the situation to your state's driver's licensing bureau Maybe other readers have suggestions, too? |