Jon,

If your mother has a problem with saying left or right, another way around it is to ask her to point within your line of sight - without obstructing your view, of course.

That's what I do when I am giving directions. I hold my hand up towards the windscreen and about in line with the gear stick (mid-line of car). I also use my whole hand and not just one finger, like a police-person directing traffic.

(If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!! *grin*)

Helen