A: All of us experience forgetfulness at times.  However, if you notice a significant change in your father’s memory this could be a sign of something more.
 

For example, does he:

• Lose his way while driving to familiar addresses?

• Forget to pay bills on time or become unable to reconcile a checkbook?

• Lose his patience with loved ones?

• Lose his temper more easily?

• Isolate himself from/avoid friends and family?

• Ask the same question over and over again?

If these are new behaviors, your father might benefit from a medical assessment by a trained geriatrician.
 

Q: My elderly mother’s driving is getting erratic and scary.  I’m concerned about her health and the well-being of others.  What can I do?

A: You are right to be concerned.  As we age, our vision, memory, ability to process information, flexibility and range of motion (think about looking over one’s shoulder or checking mirrors while driving) and reaction times can deteriorate and increase the risk of accidents. 

Older drivers are about twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in an automobile accident and about three times as likely to be involved in fatal automobile accidents (source: Southeast Michigan Council of Governments).

Texas Law requires all drivers to renew a license every six years. 

Texas is among seventeen states to impose more frequent license renewals and other restrictions on older drivers. 

A new law (also known as Katie’s Law, House Bill 84, signed into law and effective September 1, 2007) does not require drivers license applicants 85 years or older to automatically take a driver’s skills test. 

However, if there is a concern regarding the applicant’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, as determined through observation and/or interview by a Driver License employee, the applicant may be reexamined.

This bill also changed the expiration date for persons 85 years old and older.

Applicants aged 79 or older:

• May not renew licenses via mail, internet, or telephone;

• Must make an office visit to renew a drivers license;

• Must pass the standard vision exam;

• Must renew licenses every 6 years (all drivers aged 79 – 84)

Applicants aged 85 years or older:

• Drivers license expires on second birthday after date of issuance;

• Must pass standard vision exam;

• Must visit drivers license office to renew a license.

Keep in mind that driving is also a source of independence for all of us and losing this privilege is often frightening.  Consider approaching this matter in a sensitive manner and with the help of other family members.

You can get more information by contacting Texas Department of Public Safety.

Q: My mother recently burned a pan on the stove and the fire department was called.  Although she wasn’t injured and there was only a little smoke damage, I’m very concerned about her safety.  I’ve also noticed that her overall ability to take care of herself seems to have gotten worse.  What can I do to help?

A:  Your mother’s ability to care for herself safely may be declining with age.  Her safety is the primary concern but her ability to take care of herself is also a worry.  Try to determine how much help she needs to continue living safely on her own and honestly ask yourself if you can reliably provide this care. 

For example:

• Can she bathe and dress herself?

• Can she prepare meals, feed herself, and clean up afterwards?

• How is her judgment? 

• What will she do in case of an emergency?

• Can she pay her bill and take care of her finances?

• Can she remember to take medications according to dosage and schedule?

• How is her memory?

• How is her hygiene?

• What is her history of falling down?

• How is her driving?

How you answer these questions will help you determine if you need help to care for your mother.  An assessment by a care provider can help you plan for her care.

Q: I’m very concerned about my father living alone.  How do I decide if he needs care?

A:  We are happy to provide an assessment of your father’s situation in his home.  After assessment, we develop a plan designed to meet his specific needs.  We re-assess his needs every 90 days or after a significant event such as hospitalization. 

Q:  I live in another state my only regular contact with my mother is with our weekly telephone calls.  I’ve noticed she sounds depressed.  Is this a normal part of aging?

A: No.  While some people do suffer from depression, others who sound depressed are lonely and bored.  Our services can help meet the social needs of elder parents.

Q: I’m concerned about strangers coming to my parents’ home.  What do you do to check the background of the person coming into their home?

A:  Our agency is licensed to provide personal care services by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.

All of our care givers are screened for ability to provide personal care services, criminal history, employment registry, driving history and credit checks.  We also require pre-employment drug screening.  All employees are bonded and insured and are supervised by a registered nurse.

Q:  My parent needs help with transportation.  Can you help with that?

A: Yes.  We can drive your parents’ automobile to take them to appointments, shopping, social activities, and other places.  We can also run errands for your parents using our staff automobiles. 

Q:  How does your transportation service differ from public transportation or taxi services?

A: Our care associate will not only drive you to your appointment, but will also escort you to you destination, help you get into the office, sit with you while you wait, and then drive you home.

Q: My mother lives with me and I am the primary provider of care for her.  I need to go out of town for a business trip for a week.  Can you help with this temporary need?

A:  Yes, we can provide care for your mother in your absence.

Q: I have a knee replacement surgery scheduled in the next month.  Can you help me?

A: Yes, we can help you with your daily activities such as transportation, doctor and rehab appointments, shopping, meal preparation and clean up and other services you might need to remain comfortable in your home.

Q: How do I use your service?  Is there a long-term contract?

A: After assessing the client needs, we set up a schedule of services to meet those needs.  There is no long-term contract, only a service agreement which outlines the services and the costs of those services. 

Q: Do I have to buy a minimum number of hours?

A.  No.  You only pay for the hours of service provided.

Q:  Do you provide services on weekends?

A.  Yes.  We are a 24hour/365 day service.

Q.  How do I pay for services?

A: We mail a monthly invoice for the hours of service provided.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and personal checks for payment.

Q:  I’ve decided that my parent needs help.  How soon can you start providing services?

A:  Usually within 24-48 hours.

Q:  Do I need a physician referral to receive your services?