Jacob's story... "Your dad was in an accident Jacob. He wasn't hurt, but he is still refusing to give up his keys. Please come help me with him." My mom sounded worn out and exhausted. She had been
taking care of my dad her whole life, and now he was just getting out of control. The last time I
had been at the house, he kept forgetting words and just stormed around yelling at my mother
about whatever came into his head. I left there feeling stressed out and confused.
I had never been very close to my dad. He was from the "old school" of total independence,
rigidity and self-reliance. My dad loved being around cars, trucks and anything with an engine. He
loved driving and now I had to figure out a way to get him to stop before he hurt himself, or
someone else.
A friend of mine at work recommended I get in touch with this company called Sound Options,
Inc. He said they had helped him find a caregiver for his parents, who lived two states away from
him and his siblings. I figured I would give it a try. My mom was desperate, and I had no clue
how to approach my dad. I still felt like his child!
I called my EAP from work, and they patched me through to an Eldercare consultant at Sound
Options. I talked to her for about 20 minutes, and we covered more then just my concern about
dad's driving. By the end of our conversation, I realized that not only did I need to talk to my dad
about his not driving anymore, but we also needed to discuss what my parents plans were for the
future.
Although it was the most difficult conversation of my life, I was able to get my dad to give up
driving and we also figured out a great way for both my parents to get around town to do the
things they enjoy. My mom seems more relaxed, and my dad and I have grown into a better
relationship.
He may not have the keys anymore but who's to say I don't help him "sneak" out every now
and then and drive my car in the empty lot up the street. Thanks Sound Options!
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