First memory assessment & DVLA

[pachypach]

My Mum's memory has been gradually getting worse, to the stage that I arranged for her to see the memory clinic (she agreed).
The nurse came to her home (my brother was there-as I live in France, she is in the UK-very frustrating!)
She failed the test by a long way he said, and the nurse have said to contact the DVLA about her license.
I'm not even sure her licence is valid as I don't know if she renewed it at age 70 (her last husband died 5 years ago, and she cannot do paperwork, just gets confused).
I can only speak to her on the phone as because of Covid I can't get over to the UK to try and help practically.
Anyway I have looked online for the DVLA, and there is a form that reports Alzheimers, dementia etc.
However will Mum get an 'official' diagnosis from the clinic stating this (so far only a follow up appointment has been made next week).
Do I have to fill in this form and send it off (obviously needs her signature?)
Or is there a DVLA number where I can actually call and speak to someone?
This was the email I had from the nurse who went to see Mum-


Having met mum I will refer for a occupational therapy assessment of her level of functioning given her H/O falls and her performance on interview (which is suggesting cognitive decline) im not sure she is performing tasks as well as she says she is (e.g bathing, cooking) and I would like to ensure she is safe and not putting herself in risky situations as much we possibly can.

I am referring her to the teams CSW for short term meaningful engagement (with a view to signposting to longer term befriender or PA support) as she admits she is lonely given the lockdown restrictions. Plus I noted the large volume of notes dotted about the house and think Theresa can support with getting some structure (calendar/white board etc ) to aid her memory as she is visibly anxious when sifting through them all.

I do think she will benefit from a lifeline alarm (maybe Pete could ring them?), its roughly 13 pound a month I think. so if she is feeling anxious/falls she can press the button and get immediate assistance ( I am aware she is ringing yourself , Pete and the surgery a lot)

I did mention to Pete that as a family if you can make the DVLA aware that she is now under memory assessment service /experiences confusion, given she is still driving and this is a legal requirement.

The next step is for me to hand over my findings to the consultant on Thursday who I think will request a CT head scan and further bloods and most likely wish to see mum.

Mum is ok with this but will need support to attend the scan etc,

Theresa and I will see her again on the 25th of February at 11:30 if you can remind her please ( I will send her a letter too),



I spoke to Mum on Tues afternoon to ask her what was said at the meeting- she “couldn’t remember”….
Last night I had a call from her and she said she left a message to cancel next Thursdays meeting!
When I asked why she said she doesn’t need it, and anyway what can they do? It’s just old age, she is a little forgetful but it’s all normal age stuff…
When I replied saying that she couldn’t remember Tuesdays meeting (meeting lasted 1.5 hours), she went silent.
I also said she forgets my daughter's name (and others!).

I explained a lot more, and said there may be both practical and medical help available to make her life easier...
I said when the hospital calls her back tomorrow to not cancel the appointment (although I am sure they wouldn’t anyway)
No idea what she will do next…
I know the hospital cannot 'force' her to see them.... it's worrying....

I haven’t yet discussed the driving licence or personal alarm fitting with her yet, need to speak to DVLA first.
Even if she agrees for an alarm & I organise it, she will probably turn the fitter away!

This is just the start, things I'm sure will get a lot worse and it is so difficult being in France.

Can anyone offer advice please?

 

[Sarasa]

Hi @pachypach and welcome to Dementia Talking Point. You'll get lots of help and advice here, and it's a very friendly and supportive community.
It must be very difficult being in France and not able to get over to see how she is doing. Does your brother see her very often, and what does he think about your mother's cognitive ability?
I'm afraid thinking there is nothing much amiss is very common with dementia. It's not denial, the person with dementia (PWD) genuinely can't see that there is anything wrong. I hope the meeting goes ahead next Thursday and plans are put in place to help your mother, though if she refuses things could be tricky. It would help if your brother could be as hands on as possible over the next few weeks while things are sorted out. I'm also wondering if looking through the Alzheimer's Factsheets will help you get your head round what is happening and what might happen next Publications and factsheets: Full list | Alzheimer's Society.
As for the DVLA, this was one thing I was very grateful I didn't have to worry about with my mother as she never passed her driving test. I know if she had had a car getting her to stop driving would have been tricky. I'm sure someone who has experience of what to do will be along soon, though my understanding was that you don't need your mum's signature to flag this up.
Do keep posting and do have a look round the site. There is loads of useful information and a search bar at the top you can use to explore different topics.

 

[WJG]

There is a firm in the DVLA website that you need to submit. Frustratingly, it has to be printed off and sent through disillusioned mail. Rather than asking directly about symptoms it asks for diagnosis, and dates of consultations - together with contact details for Doctors and specialists. I was advised by my Neurologist to send this in, and also to let my insurance company know of my Mild Cognitive Impairment diagnosis.