Helpers Recruited To Ease Seniors Out Of Driver’s Seat

LA QUINTA – It is the age-old question: How old is “too old” to be driving?

Many families are struggling with this sensitive issue, and they need help on how to take away the car keys from their elderly parents.

The gentler approach: Hire a senior helper.

Leo Mehan and Jeanine Puskas met two months ago. They are together five days a week, four to five times a week. But, their relationship is strictly professional.

“I ask him what he needs,” explains Jeanine.

Leo suffered a stroke four years ago. His left arm is nearly immobile. But, having Jeanine has made his life easier and safer.

“I’ve been independent all my life, but I know my limits,” says Leo, 70.

Jeanine makes sure Leo remembers to take his pills and eats healthy. She says she has been taking care of seniors for a long time. But, sometimes she is met with resistance.

“It was uncomfortable for him [Leo] at first, but we got to know each other quickly. Once he understood I was there to help him and be his friend, then everything was fine,” she says.

Caregivers are handy when families try to decide how to take away the car keys from their parents. According to AARP, the 65+ population will double to 71 million by the year 2030. They will make up nearly a quarter of all the drivers in the U.S.

Top warning signs that someone is too old to drive include: frequent “close calls” in having an accident; other drivers honking at the elderly driver; getting lost easily; a slower response time to accelerate or to brake; and trouble judging distances in traffic.

Jeanine says it may be difficult for families to approach the “no driving” issue because there are many emotions involved. “As a caregiver, I can remain objective. And when there are no emotions involved, you can get things done a lot quicker.”