Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Another thing you could try is having him detained for emergency mental evaluation for 72 hours. In Florida, it's called the Baker Act. In other states, it may be called something else. This would bring in medical specialists and social workers. You'd have a team to assist in finding him the help he needs.

When you call it in, you'd say that he is a danger to himself and others, which is true. They'd take it from there.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Based on your profile you filled out he doesn't have insurance so how was he able to rent a car? Please call Enterprise and tell them your husband is uninsured and has rented a car from their agency and he has ALZ. They will be liable if he gets in a car accident since they are now informed of the situation. Sounds like you do need to place him in a facility or divorce him at this point based on what you wrote. It sounds like a nightmare.

Does he have a formal diagnosis from a doctor for ALZ? Give this to the rental car company too. And yes take away his credit cards, etc and access to ALL bank accounts ASAP. You don't want him draining your accounts.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

There is legally stopping him and literally stopping him,

Legally, you report him to the DMV. Depending on your state you can do this online. When you provide proof (dates of accidents, reasons, etc) they will send out a letter telling him to come in for a test (this also varies by state). You need to intercept the letter so he never sees it, and allow his license to expire.

Literally, as others have suggested (and hoping either you or someone else is his PoA):

- relocate the cars to a secret place, also hiding the keys.
- hiding or cancelling credit and debit cards, checkbooks, etc.
- preventing any online access (changing the password, cancelling any new account he opens)

I realize this seems daunting but there is no other way. It will be hard at first and then things will improve. My Uncle killed his own wife in a crash he caused because no one stopped him. Others on this forum have similar stories. You are in the best position to stop him. He will get mad, and you must ignore it and do whatever it takes.

If he gets verbally abusive or physically threatening then don't hesitate to call 911 and report this to the police. This may keep him in check or else they may remove him from your home, depending on how he reacts.

There are no magic wand for this situation. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. Have as many family, friends and neighbors in on this as possible. Make sure they know to never lend their vehicles to him. Ask them to provide rides for his appointments and errands so he doesn't feel stranded. If he manages to get a car and you know he's on the road, call it in to 911 every time.

I've had to end driving privileges for 3 seniors and this year probably going on the 4th. It's never been easy. I wish you success.
Helpful Answer (14)
Report

Cancel the credit cards he’s using. He has to have a credit card to use Uber; I’ve never heard of Uber taking cash. If he has a key fob for the car, open it and remove the battery. He probably won’t figure out what’s wrong with it. He should never be left unsupervised now. If there’s no one to watch and stop him from doing all dangerous things, you MUST place him in memory care. This isn’t only a driving problem. It’s also a problem of what he’ll do next, since he’s lost good judgment and thinking skills.

Things I’ve seen while taking care of family who had dementia: Eating leaves found on the ground. Emptying the whole pill minder for the week on the place mat and starting to eat all of the pills. Trying to walk out the door at 2 a.m. Waking up in the middle of the night and peeing in inappropriate places.

I know it’s hard to imagine the extent of the damage they can do. I’m sorry you are going through this, but you have to take major steps. Placement would be my choice.
Helpful Answer (8)
Report

If he is renting a car so as to get around you keeping your car out of reach, then I suppose the next step is to make renting impossible. He cannot have access to credit cards, and it might be best to take his license and smartphone. (He should carry another form of identification of course). Without a license or using the app, I don’t think a rental agency would rent him a car. I’m not experienced in this, but it seems to me you need to remove the tools that make this possible. I’m really sorry, this must be so difficult.
Helpful Answer (8)
Report

I would tell are local police , but I live in a small town
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Hide the keys. The insurance company may cancel your insurance is what happened to us after being with same carrier for 15 years. My husband had 4 accidents in 2 years. He totaled 2 different cars. I had to find different insurance carrier and have his driver's license revoked. He will get angry...but I repeatedly told him you can't drive you have no insurance.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

What are you waiting for? For him to kill someone before you take the necessary action?
Someone driving with any of the dementias is no different than someone driving drunk, and they must be stopped sooner than later.
Are you aware that if your husband were to either kill some innocent person or severely injure them and the police were made aware that he has dementia that you and he could be sued for everything you have? And would you be able to live with yourself knowing that you should have stopped him from driving but now he's killed someone? If that isn't enough to scare you into doing something to disable his car of take away his keys, I can't imagine anything will.
Helpful Answer (8)
Report
chyron24 May 4, 2024
And how do I stop him? That is why I joined this forum. Am at end of my rope. I am scared. He took Uber to Enterprise car rental.
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
See a divorce lawyer PRONTO. Divide your funds, so scammers don't get all yours too. Driving without insurance, report the vehicle license to your state DMV or police.

Don't end up financially screwed from HIS dementia. He could get sued and loose everything. It's not your fault, you cannot control it. He is headed for placement.

Let his Doctors know about the 3 crashes. Not his right to drive and possibly kill innocent people. Contact your county agencies to ask for a Social Worker to help, or call APS.

He's not going to be the same person you married, and will only get worse. He's angry because he probably realizes he's not the same, and not going to handle it well, since he CAN'T. He needs medication to tone his behavior down.

Once you start a divorce, the money gets frozen. Sorry you have to deal with this.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
chyron24 May 4, 2024
Thanks. I saw elder law lawyer last week. They could not help with anything. They did not handle matrimonial or guardianships. They said he is not competent to sign papers, and will contest every action I take. Now what?
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/taking-the-keys-if-mom-or-dad-wont-stop-driving-112307.htm

There are many many posts on this forum asking the same question. You can search those and read the responses. A very common problem but very urgent he is stopped from having access. You won't be able to get him to agree to stop so you must take other actions.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
chyron24 May 4, 2024
What action please?
(1)
Report
If there are 2 cars in the household you take his in to "be repaired" and it never comes back.
Your car you keep secure so that he does not have access to the keys.
You can have a mechanic put a switch on it so that even if he gets the keys the car will not start.
You could also get one of the "Club" locks and put that on the car.
Lock your car, keep the keys with you so that he can not even get into the car. I still wear my keys on a clip that is clipped to my belt loop. I did that so my husband could not take the car.
This is a non negotiable if something were to happen where he damaged property, hurt or killed someone you would be ruined financially especially if there is medical documentation that he has dementia.
The doctor can also inform the Secretary of State (Drivers License Department) that his drivers license should be revoked.

Talk to his doctor about medication for the anger
Helpful Answer (8)
Report
chyron24 May 4, 2024
He is renting a car. No stopping him
(0)
Report
See 5 more replies
Are you his POA?
It is time to go to the DMV and make a report.
In most states he will be called in to do a test. That will be that.
You will need to disable the car or have it safely removed (preferred) until then.
Not only may he be hurt, but he is menace on the streets.
If you cannot accomplish this it may be time for placement in mc for his own protection and for the safety of others.
I am so very sorry.
Helpful Answer (7)
Report
chyron24 May 4, 2024
DMV does not care in NYS. No POA. He is a menace!
(1)
Report
See 1 more reply
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter