Outcome of Today's Gerontology Visit for the Mother-in-Law
By LooeyVille
@LooeyVille (61)
United States
September 9, 2025 3:55pm CST
Well, she failed the memory test. Badly.
And the doctor said she should absolutely not be allowed to drive.
But for right now until she sees a dementia specialist the doctor can't revoke her driving privileges, so it's up to the family to take away her car keys (and car).
Well, hubby and I broke the news to her after her doctor appointment and at first she was angry, then she was sad.
We're waiting for a referral for a neuro-psych test for her.
We took her to Chuy's for lunch and she got to meet @FourWalls who cheered her up a little.
18 people like this
17 responses
@snowy22315 (195796)
• United States
9 Sep
I am sure meeting FourWalls was good medicine for her.
4 people like this
@FourWalls (78601)
• United States
10 Sep
Aw, thanks. 
I wonder if she said “who IS that nut?” as soon as I left. 
I wonder if she said “who IS that nut?” as soon as I left. 3 people like this
@GardenGerty (165698)
• United States
10 Sep
I am glad @FourWalls helped take her mind off of things. It is hard to give up something that means independence for you.
4 people like this
@FourWalls (78601)
• United States
10 Sep
I’m glad she texted me when she did, because I was just about to leave the parking lot and come home. It was great to meet her.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (78601)
• United States
10 Sep
I hope she can meet up with other people at the home and get support from there, so she’ll realize it’s not the end of her existence and all she’s doing is waiting to die. The center where my aunt is has outings all the time, and I’ve seen their buses in the parking lot of Chuy’s quite frequently. Things aren’t ending, they’re changing. And she might like them!
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (159223)
• United States
10 Sep
I'm glad she's not angry anymore... Mom fought tooth and nail to keep her keys/car even after she admitted she couldn't steer the car anymore. Even with power steering, mom still couldn't make turns and almost ran over people on the sidewalks.
At least she got to meet @FourWalls. I'm sure that was interesting for her. 
2 people like this
@FourWalls (78601)
• United States
10 Sep
Poo. Lady, probably scared her so bad she turned her keys in and said “Keep me away from her!!”
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (38380)
• Toccoa, Georgia
5h
That's sad for her. But at least she got to meet @FourWalls 
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (88790)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
5h
Glad @FourWalls could cheer her up some, I wish the best for her and hope she can get someone to live with her,
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (86148)
• United States
10h
I can't say I'm surprised that she failed the memory test. Hopefully she doesn't get behind the wheel of her car and realizes she shouldn't be driving. it was really nice that she got to meet @FourWalls and got a bit of cheering up after her doctor visit.
2 people like this
@Traceyjayne (5092)
• United Kingdom
7h
It’s good news that she won’t soon be able to drive. I know you have been concerned about that ….and how to tell her ….for a while. At least it will be the Dr and not you making the decision so she can’t hold you responsible.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (200287)
• United States
7h
Sorry to hear about your MIL but it certainly is not surprising. I'm glad she got to meet @FourWalls.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (48233)
•
9 Sep
I have been wondering if her car was even fixed, and hoped that it wasn’t. It’s amazing she wasn’t hurt worse and thankfully no one else was. Did he discuss her moving to the Memory Care?
2 people like this
@FourWalls (78601)
• United States
10 Sep
My aunt is in a multi-treatment place. Right now she lives in the independent wing because her issues haven’t progressed to the “dangerous” level yet. She gave up driving and living alone, which is 2/3 of the battle. Hopefully Looey’s mother-in-law will adjust and find a different and more interesting life.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (48233)
•
23h
@FourWalls
I know of two Memory Care facilities here, they have a lot of activities for the residents, parties, they celebrate birthdays, take them shopping, etc. She won't be stuck inside all of the time, hopefully she will like it if she goes there.
2 people like this
@madtitanoboas (24)
•
6h
People with dementia should not be allowed to drive alone, as this is for their own safety. Preventing them from driving is also one way to help them. Hopefully, they won't forget to drive carefully.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362485)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
This is hard going for you all but stopping her driving has quite possibly saved a life or at least an accident.
