My MIL had LDB. My FIL had ALZ. And my husband is maybe starting to show possible MCI. We'll know more in the first of next year as to whether or not it is dementia or something else altogether.
However, in a fit of my recent insomnia, as I was remembering some conversations between hubby and I about driving as a privilege that has to be earned and not a right, it suddenly hit me -- between business and personal we have access to many, many vehicles and each have three sets or more of keys! There is no way to remove keys and/or disable them all.
I remember the huge battles with both FIL and MIL to stop driving. Anticipating a repeat with future hubby independence loss, any ideas or suggestions I can put in my tool kit for future use with many, many vehicles at his disposal?
TIA
Men will never touch those.
I am kind of kidding here, but I doubt any of us can come to your house and hide the keys to all the cars. I think you are on your own with great hiding places. I recommend hollowed out novels your husband and all others would never DREAM of touching. And do label them.
The minute you think hubby becomes unsafe to drive, ask your primary doctor to order a virtual driving assessment through their OT dept. If he fails, then you are not the one to be the "bad guy" cancelling his license (the OT reports it to his primary who reports it to the Dept of Public Safety who then sends out a letter of license cancellation).
But the problem of vehicle access still remains. The more vehicles that are in play, the more complicated it becomes for you.
You can look into keyless entry installation. No more keys to get into vehicles, only a keypad with a programmable entry code (hint: you control the code and can change it so he can't get into the vehicle).
I don't know how much it costs to install and I don't have one myself, but it would mean you wouldn't have to be hiding keys or disabling cars, you'd just need to deal with his anger when you tell him you "don't remember the code to get in".
"Is there a reason some of the vehicles can't be sold? How many vehicles are you talking about? What kinds of vehicles?"
Answers, in order...
Kinda/sorta/maybe. Most are designated within the partnership/business/not-for-profit business assets groupings. I'll have to work with an attorney to find out what can be done to untangle the personal and business interests.
At any given time, +/- ten. Hubby worked in the industry and at one time oversaw a fleet of 49. So the current situation is really just an extension of his career.
While it varies, the majority are standard cars and pick-ups. All are older, drive-able, keyed models. A couple of specialty ones.
You've given me some ideas. Thanks.