How to get an elderly person into a car? A step-by-step guide to safe transfers

According to the National Institute on Aging, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, with many occurring during common transitions like getting into a car. Knowing how to get an elderly person into a car safely is crucial for preventing injury and ensuring a comfortable experience for your loved one. This guide provides actionable steps and proven techniques to make car transfers a smooth process for both the caregiver and the senior.

Quick Summary

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for safely assisting an older adult into a vehicle. It covers essential preparation, effective techniques like the 'sit-first, legs-second' method, and outlines various mobility aids that can facilitate transfers for individuals with limited strength or balance.

Key Points

• Use the 'Sit First, Legs Second' Technique: Safely assist the person by having them sit with their back to the seat, then swivel their legs inside to prevent falls and twisting.

• Prepare the Vehicle and Environment: Park on a level surface, slide the car seat back for extra room, and ensure the area is clear of obstacles to maximize safety.

• Consider Mobility Aids: Depending on the person's needs, use tools like a swivel seat cushion, car transfer handle, or gait belt to provide extra support and reduce strain.

• Maintain Clear and Calm Communication: Walk the person through each step of the process calmly, which helps manage their expectations and reduces anxiety.

• Ensure Proper Footwear: Both the caregiver and the senior should wear supportive, non-slip footwear to prevent slips during the transfer.

• Protect Your Own Back: When assisting, use proper body mechanics and utilize mobility aids to avoid caregiver injury.

Preparation is Key: Setting Up for a Safe Transfer

Before you begin the transfer, proper preparation is essential to prevent falls and reduce strain on both the caregiver and the senior. A few simple steps can make a significant difference in safety and comfort.

• Choose the right parking spot. Whenever possible, park in a level, wide space, such as a designated handicap spot. Avoid parking on hills or curbs, which can make the transfer more difficult and unstable.
• Adjust the vehicle. Slide the front passenger seat back as far as it can go to create maximum legroom. If the vehicle has power seats, raising the seat height can also make sitting down and standing up easier.
• Clear the way. Remove any clutter from the vehicle floor to prevent tripping. Ensure the senior's mobility aid, such as a walker or cane, is positioned correctly and within easy reach for when they exit the car.
• Use proper footwear. Both the senior and the caregiver should wear supportive, non-slip shoes with good traction. Avoid slippers or open-backed shoes that could cause a slip.
• Communicate clearly. Talk through each step of the process with the senior. This helps them know what to expect and allows them to participate in the transfer as much as they are able, which can boost confidence and security.

Step-by-Step 'Sit First, Legs Second' Technique

The safest and most recommended method for getting an elderly person into a car is the 'sit first, legs second' technique, which minimizes twisting and the risk of a fall.

1. Approach the seat: Guide the senior to walk towards the open car door, with their back facing the passenger seat. Have them get as close to the seat as possible until the backs of their legs are touching it.
2. Use a stable grip: Instruct the senior to place one hand on a stable, non-moving part of the car, such as the dashboard, and the other hand on the edge of the seat. The caregiver should hold the car door securely so it doesn't move or close on the person.
3. Sit down slowly: As the senior slowly lowers themselves onto the car seat, facing away from the steering wheel, the caregiver can provide gentle assistance at the waist or upper back for stability. A cushion can be added to the seat to increase the height if needed.
4. Manage the head: Remind the senior to tuck their head forward to avoid bumping it on the car frame as they sit down.
5. Swivel the legs: Once the senior is safely and securely seated, assist them in lifting one leg into the car at a time, followed by the other. This can be done by supporting the leg behind the knee.
6. Adjust and buckle up: Help the senior slide back into a comfortable position in the seat, then secure the seatbelt. Ensure the mobility aid is stored safely, perhaps in the back seat or trunk, so it does not become a hazard.

Adapting for Different Mobility Needs

The standard technique can be modified for individuals with varying levels of mobility, with different aids offering a range of support.

For those with limited strength:

• Consider a car transfer handle: This L-shaped bar fits into the car's door latch and provides a sturdy, non-slip handle to grip for leverage.
• Use a gait belt: A gait belt with handles, wrapped around the senior's waist, allows the caregiver to assist with transfers and provide a stable point of contact without pulling on their arms.

For those with limited range of motion:

• Use a swivel seat cushion: This rotating disc, placed on the car seat, allows the senior to pivot their body with minimal effort after sitting down.
• Utilize a slide sheet: A simple plastic bag or special slide sheet on the seat can reduce friction and make sliding into position easier.

For wheelchair users:

• Perform a standing pivot transfer: Position the wheelchair parallel to the car seat. Lock the wheelchair brakes. Assist the senior to stand, pivot towards the car seat, and then sit down, following the 'sit first' method.
• Use a transfer board: A transfer board can bridge the gap between the wheelchair and the car seat, allowing the senior to slide across with assistance.

Mobility Aids Comparison Table

Feature	Car Transfer Handle	Swivel Seat Cushion	Gait Belt	Transfer Board	Wheelchair Accessible Van	Milford Lift (Vehicle Hoist)
Best For	Mild to moderate mobility issues	Difficulty with swiveling and twisting	General assisted transfers	Wheelchair users needing a bridge	Full wheelchair transport	Heavy lifting and limited caregiver strength
Cost	Low ($10-$30)	Low to Moderate ($20-$60)	Low ($15-$40)	Moderate ($30-$80)	High ($20k+)	High ($5k+)
Portability	Excellent (fits in pocket/purse)	Good (removable)	Excellent (wearable)	Moderate (requires trunk space)	Not portable	Permanent car modification
Key Benefit	Provides a stable grip for leverage	Reduces twisting motion	Provides a safe hold point for lifting	Facilitates sliding over a gap	Offers the highest accessibility	Mechanically lifts person
Caregiver Benefit	Reduces caregiver back strain	Less physical lifting required	Safe handling and reduced injury risk	Minimizes caregiver lifting effort	Eliminates physical lifting	Eliminates physical lifting

Conclusion

Assisting an elderly person into a car requires patience, clear communication, and the right technique. By following the 'sit first, legs second' method and utilizing appropriate mobility aids, caregivers can ensure a safer, more dignified, and more comfortable experience for seniors. Prioritizing proper preparation—such as parking on level ground and clearing the car interior—is a crucial first step. Regular practice and adapting the technique to the senior's specific needs, whether with a transfer handle, swivel cushion, or gait belt, can make a significant difference in preventing falls and strain. Ultimately, this process is about empowering seniors to maintain their independence while providing compassionate and safe support.

For more information on safe mobility techniques and adaptive tools, resources like the National Institute on Aging offer valuable guidance on a range of caregiving topics.

Final Tips for Success

• Always be patient. Rushing increases the risk of a fall and can cause anxiety for the senior.
• Listen to the senior. Pay attention to their feedback and comfort level during the transfer process.
• Prioritize your own safety. Use proper body mechanics to protect your back and knees. Avoid heavy lifting by using the right tools and techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best technique for getting an elderly person into a low car?

For a low car, the 'sit first, legs second' technique is most effective. Have the person back up to the seat, sit down with their legs outside the car, then assist them in lifting one leg at a time to swivel them into position. A cushion can also raise the seat height.

Are there tools to help an elderly person get into a car?

Yes, several tools can help, including a car transfer handle that fits into the door latch for a stable grip, a swivel seat cushion to aid with pivoting, and a gait belt for the caregiver to provide secure assistance.

How can I help an elderly person with limited leg strength get their legs into the car?

After the person is seated, you can assist by gently supporting their leg behind the knee and helping to lift it into the car one at a time. A leg lifter strap is another tool that can be used for this purpose.

What should I do if the senior is a wheelchair user?

Position the wheelchair parallel to the car seat, lock the brakes, and perform a standing pivot transfer. For those with significant challenges, a transfer board can be used to bridge the gap between the chair and the seat, or a vehicle hoist can provide mechanical assistance.

How can I make the car transfer process more comfortable for someone with arthritis?

To reduce pain from twisting, use a swivel seat cushion. Adjusting the car seat to a higher position and slightly reclining the seat can also minimize the bending required for entry and exit, easing pressure on painful joints.

Is it safe for an elderly person to pull on the car door for support?

No, it is not recommended for a senior to pull on a car door for support, as it can move unexpectedly and cause a fall. Instead, they should hold onto a stable, fixed point like the dashboard or an installed car transfer handle.

How can I protect my own back while helping an elderly person into a car?

Use a gait belt to provide a secure point of contact instead of lifting directly. Bend at your knees, not your back, and use your legs to help with the transfer. Utilizing proper aids and techniques is crucial for preventing caregiver strain.