"I worry about him driving. He does alright on familiar roads, but his judgment and sense of direction aren't as good anymore."

* Offer to drive for the person

* Gently tell the person that you are concerned about their eyesight [concentration, memory, reaction time] and feel safer if you drive.

* Take the keys from the person and substitute another set that doesn't fit the car if needed. This lets them keep keys while making driving impossible. Sell or remove the car if necessary.

* Dismantle the care [install a kill switch, disconnect battery, remove distributor cap] so it won't start.

* Have the physician write a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles requesting the person be road-tested in light of the diagnosis.

* Distract the person with another activity.

(c) copyright 1996

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