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She has recently started to have hallucinations; no engagement, more like indifferent, people or person she notices but there's zero interaction. Today an APS report was made following an initial visit from an in home care agency meant to assess what in home services mom needs and that the agency can provide. Mom was a scattered, irritated by the visit, seemed confused to the person and because mom admitted she drives occasionally the supervisor directed her to make the report based on her continuing to drive. What exactly does APS have the power to do?

Not sure of what APS can do but why does your mother with dementia still have access to a car? Take away the keys and the car immediately.
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Reply to MG8522
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She can’t drive. Take her keys, get rid of the car, do all the things.
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Reply to southernwave
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They can communicate with her doctor and take away her driver's license. My Dad's doctor took away his driving privileges. If he got in an accident, after the doctor put it in his records that "he isn't safe to drive," my Dad could be sued and lose everything. It's best to not drive at all once it's in your records!!
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Reply to Caregiveronce
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There are 2 thoughts.
1. Once diagnosed a person should not drive.
2. There are professional groups that will test a person and evaluate the driving ability and fill out forms that are then agreed to and signed by the person tested. They put strict limitations on the driving. This form is also submitted to the DMV.

If your mother goes through the testing and is fit to drive APS can do nothing.
You can also check with her doctor. If the doctor states in writing that she should not drive then you must not allow her to drive. Document that and if there is an APS investigation you verify that she is no longer driving and that will be the end of the investigation.

I hate so say it though if your mother was flustered by a home visit if she were to get flustered and confused on the road it could be very bad for her or other people. You have to ask yourself if it is really worth it. She could lose EVERYTHING in a law suit.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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Fawnby Nov 15, 2025
Including her life.
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I had to do it twice. It's hard, you don't want her or anyone else getting hurt or killed. You have to make sure she can still do the things she needs and likes to do. You have to have an honest talk with your mother. Good luck!
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Reply to Tina1923
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You should deactivate the car. Pull the car battery from the car.
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Reply to brandee
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The authorities that APS has may vary by state. In MN where I live, it can recommend a court-assigned legal guardian and they can be removed from their home and transitioned into a facility for their own safety and well-being. That's what they did with my SFIL, who had Parkinsons and Lewy Body Dementia. The caseworker had a meeting with him, including us, and told him he was not safe to drive but it was still up to us to make sure he didn't. My SFIL refused to assign a PoA so he eventually got a guardian who then did all management and decisions on his behalf. It was the only solution and we were grateful to have had it (also because he had no money and was deeply in debt, the house was in foreclosure, etc).
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Reply to Geaton777
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Or add a steering lock to the steering wheel and keep the key to yourself.
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Reply to SID2020
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Take the keys. Get ready for placement or 24/7 in home care as she is not going to get better. Get an idea of what her finances are.
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Reply to JustAnon
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They have the power to ask for state intervention and the power goes then to the courts. The courts will request a volunteer to be her guardian. My advice is NOT to accept this responsibility as you will be made entirely responsible for her and you will not be allowed to resign this responsibility up to and even including should you yourself become ill. Let the state assume guardianship and make all placement and management of assets. Tell them you are not qualified to take this on.

So the state, through the courts and on request of proof from APS can take guardianship of your mom, who as you must know, is no longer safe to be on her own without 24/7 supervision.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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