I just got home and found a note that my mom and her 24hr sitter had gone to the store. When they got back my mom said she didn't go in the store and apparently stayed in the car while the sitter went in. I bought groceries the day before so am pretty sure there was no urgent need for any essentials and noticed the sitter had no bags when they came into the house. I am upset that my mother was left alone in a parked car even if it was just for a few minutes. She cannot get around without the aid of a walker and has mild dementia, CHF, and is hard of hearing. It was cold and raining this morning as well. Am I overreacting? Or should this be a concern that needs to be discussed with the sitter? I am too annoyed to talk to her at the moment so am taking this time to get some feedback and advice......any thoughts or comments will be appreciated. Thanks!
I wonder just how long would be okay.
Yes, it made if difficult to run errands and get groceries. He then placed his wife into Adult Day Care which gave him more flex time for errands.
your lo figure out how to get help for theirself. Are they
cognizant enough to give name and phone number or
emergency number, do they have readily accessible id?
I think the caregiver should be reprimanded or replaced
if this happens. Elderly and vulnerable people shouldn't
be left in the car alone. And using time paid for one purpose but used otherwise is stealing...imo.
#1 It would NOT be safe for the elder to remain in the vehicle if he or she touches any instrumentation.
#2 It is a large burden on the elder and painful to move-from a seated to standing position, especially exiting the vehicle.
#3 It hinders the progress of the shopper, e.g. caregiver.
#4 There is a possibility of the elder falling in the grocery store, e.g. spilled liquid.
#5 It could be dangerous if the elder is approached by a criminal.
There is a huge difference between allowing someone mentally and mostly physically able to wait in the car, and leaving someone with dementia or profound physical limitations. I often left my mom in the car when we shopped for groceries, if it was hot or cold I let the car run but she usually shut it off before I returned. I didn't leave her at home because this was her only opportunity to get out of the house and after grocery shopping we went for lunch, usually just hitting the drive though and eating in the car at the park. I would never consider doing that with my mom as she is today because she no longer has the wherewithal to open a door or window or ask for help if she needed to, it is just common sense.
I went to renew my handicapped tags this morning and the town clerk remarked how fast time goes and this one will last for five years. I told her that at 83 I was doubtful if I would still be driving. "Well you never know" she said as I exited with my nice red walker.
I finally buckled her in and watched in horror driving as fast I could home, as she kept trying to do these moves while I was driving. It was a crazy day.
Moral of the story, I would never leave anyone with dementia by themselves in the car. She wasn't even left by herself but just had to sit there as if she was by herself and it was very dangerous.
This is a joke if anyone is confused. I am 78 and still drive myself but she does leave me in the car!
Really we have to use judgment. Our brains don't turn to jelly when we become caregivers. :) I wouldn't leave a baby in the car, because someone could steal the baby. I wouldn't mind so much if they stole my mother. :D