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?
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?
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