How to help someone in and out of a car? A guide to safe transfers

According to the CDC, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, and improper car transfers can be a major contributor. Knowing how to help someone in and out of a car safely and with dignity is a fundamental skill for any caregiver, significantly reducing the risk of a fall for your loved one.

Quick Summary

Mastering the steps for safe car transfers is critical for preventing falls, prioritizing proper body mechanics, and clear communication. Learn how to assist your loved one with dignity by utilizing aids and a strategic, step-by-step approach for entry and exit.

Key Points

• Prioritize Communication: Talk through each step of the transfer with your loved one to ensure they feel secure and involved in the process.

• Use the 'Back First, Swivel' Method: The safest way to enter and exit is by backing up to the seat, sitting down first, and then swiveling the legs into or out of the car.

• Maintain Proper Body Mechanics: Protect yourself from injury by keeping your back straight, bending your knees, and using your leg muscles to assist with lifting.

• Invest in Mobility Aids: Simple tools like a Handy Bar, swivel seat cushion, or leg lifter can significantly enhance safety and reduce strain for all parties.

• Assess and Adapt: Every person's mobility is different. Regularly assess their needs and adjust your technique and equipment to ensure the most comfortable and dignified transfer possible.

• Practice for Confidence: Repeated, calm practice builds confidence and reduces anxiety associated with car transfers, making it a smoother, more routine experience.

Why Proper Technique is Crucial

Assisting a person with limited mobility in and out of a car is a common, yet often physically demanding, task for caregivers. Without the right techniques, you risk injury to both yourself and the person you are helping. Poorly executed transfers can lead to back strain for the caregiver and falls or bumps for the senior. By following a structured, methodical process, you can create a safer, more predictable experience for everyone involved.

Preparing for a Safe Car Transfer

Preparation is the first and most vital step to a successful transfer. Proper setup reduces variables and ensures you have a clear, safe working space.

Checklist before assisting:

• Park on a level surface. Uneven ground, curbs, or sloped driveways create instability and increase the risk of a fall. Find the flattest spot available.
• Clear the space. Remove any obstacles inside and outside the vehicle. This includes handbags, shopping, or anything on the floor that could trip someone.
• Adjust the seat. Slide the front passenger seat back as far as it will go to maximize legroom. Reclining the seat slightly can also provide more space to maneuver.
• Open the door fully. Ensure the door is open as wide as possible and is securely held open. The person should not rely on the moving door for support.
• Use a handicap spot. If you have a placard, use a designated handicap parking space. These are specifically designed with extra room for safe transfers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting in the Car

1. Position the person. Guide them so their back is facing the car seat, and their legs are just a few inches away from the seat's edge.
2. Ensure stability. Remind them to use a stable point of contact, such as the car's interior door frame or the passenger grab handle. Instruct them not to grab the car door itself.
3. Encourage a controlled descent. As they reach back for the seat with one hand, provide support at their waist or arm. Advise them to bend at the knees, not the waist, to lower themselves slowly onto the seat. Be mindful of their head to avoid bumping it on the door frame.
4. Swivel and lift legs. Once seated, they should use their hands to help them swivel their body to face forward. You can assist by gently lifting one leg at a time at the knee to help them bring their feet into the car.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Out of the Car

Exiting the car follows a similar process, but in reverse. The key is to maintain control and use momentum carefully.

1. Prepare for exit. Ensure the seat is slid back and reclined for maximum room. Unlock and open the door fully.
2. Swivel to face out. Guide them to swivel their body so their legs are outside the car. A swivel seat cushion can be particularly helpful here.
3. Move to the edge. Encourage them to shuffle their hips forward to the very edge of the seat. This positions them better for standing up.
4. Stand up with support. With their feet flat on the ground and hands holding a stable point (grab handle or Handy Bar), cue them to lean forward slightly and push up using their legs. Provide support at the waist or elbow as needed.
5. Ensure stability. Once they are standing, wait for a moment to ensure they have their balance before moving away from the vehicle. Have their mobility aid, such as a walker or cane, ready to be used.

Mobility Aids for Safer Car Transfers

Using the right equipment can make a significant difference in safety and comfort for both the caregiver and the recipient. These tools reduce strain and empower the person to use their own strength more effectively.

Comparison of Car Transfer Aids

Feature	Swivel Seat Cushion	Handy Bar/Car Handle	Leg Lifter Strap	Transfer Belt (Gait Belt)
Function	Rotates on the seat to assist with swiveling the body.	Provides a stable, non-slip handle to grip for pushing up or lowering.	A strap with loops for a person to lift their own legs.	A belt with handles for the caregiver to safely guide the person.
Ideal For	Individuals with limited hip or back mobility.	People who need extra leverage to push themselves up.	Those with limited leg strength or control.	Caregivers needing a secure grip for guidance and stability.
How to Use	Place on the seat before getting in; rotate to turn.	Inserts into the U-shaped door latch; grip firmly.	Loop around the foot; use upper body to lift.	Fasten around the waist; use handles to assist movement.
Primary Benefit	Reduces twisting of the torso and strain.	Adds a sturdy, reliable point of support.	Fosters independence by allowing self-lifting of legs.	Distributes lifting pressure and maintains caregiver posture.

Advanced Techniques for Caregivers

When a person requires more significant assistance, advanced techniques and equipment may be necessary. Always communicate clearly throughout the process to prevent surprising the individual with unexpected movements. For those requiring a wheelchair or transport chair, the process involves rolling the chair close to the car, locking the brakes, and facilitating the transfer using a gait belt and the methods described above. For more information on safe patient handling, a resource such as this guide from NewYork-Presbyterian's Health Library offers excellent guidance on proper technique.

Conclusion: Patience and Practice Lead to Perfect Transfers

Learning how to help someone in and out of a car is a skill that improves with patience and practice. The goal is to maximize the individual's independence and minimize strain on the caregiver. By preparing the environment, communicating clearly, and leveraging mobility aids, you can ensure that car trips are not a source of stress but a routine part of a healthy, active life. The most effective approach is always a collaborative one, where the person being assisted feels respected and secure. Never hesitate to consult with a physical or occupational therapist for personalized tips for your loved one's specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to help a person with very weak legs into a car?

For someone with very weak legs, focus on the 'back first, swivel' technique. Use a gait belt for a secure grip and provide support at the waist. A leg lifter strap can also be used to assist them in lifting their legs one at a time after they are seated.

Is it better for the person to get in the front or back seat?

The front passenger seat is generally easier for transfers due to more legroom. Sliding the seat back as far as possible creates additional space for maneuvering and prevents bumping knees or feet.

What is a handy bar, and how does it help?

A handy bar is a portable handle that securely inserts into the U-shaped latch on the car's door frame. It provides a sturdy, non-slip grip that allows the person to push up with their arms, reducing reliance on the caregiver.

How can I help someone in a wheelchair transfer to a car?

Position the wheelchair close to the car at an angle, lock the brakes, and follow the back-first, swivel method. A gait belt is highly recommended to help guide and support the person during the pivot from the chair to the car seat.

Can I use a towel to help someone swivel on the car seat?

While a towel can provide some slickness, a dedicated swivel seat cushion is much safer and more effective. It is designed to rotate smoothly, preventing the person from twisting awkwardly, which can cause injury.

What if the person gets anxious or stressed during the transfer?

A calm, patient, and communicative approach is essential. Talk them through each step, avoid rushing, and reassure them. Allowing them to hold onto stable parts of the car gives them a greater sense of control and security.

How can I avoid injuring my own back while helping?

Always use proper lifting techniques: bend at your knees and hips, not your waist. Keep your back straight and engage your leg muscles. Use a gait belt to hold onto the person securely, distributing the force and preventing back strain.