How to help someone out of a car safely and with dignity?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults.

Learning how to help someone out of a car safely is a key skill for caregivers, helping to prevent falls and protect both the senior and the assistant.

Quick Summary

Assisting someone from a car requires patience, proper technique, and clear communication to ensure safety and prevent injury.

Key steps include preparing the environment, swiveling the person's legs out, guiding them to stand using their own strength, and using appropriate mobility aids when necessary.

Key Points

• Prepare the area: Always park on level ground with plenty of space and adjust the car seat for maximum room before a transfer.

• Swivel, don't twist: Teach the person to swivel their body and legs out of the car, keeping their feet flat on the ground to reduce strain.

• Lift with your legs, not your back: When assisting the stand-up, bend your knees and use your leg muscles for power, protecting your back from injury.

• Use assistive devices: Mobility aids like swivel cushions, handy bars, and gait belts can make transfers easier and safer for both the caregiver and the individual.

• Pause for balance: After standing, allow the person a moment to regain their balance before moving forward, and ensure their walking aid is ready.

• Communicate clearly: Explain each step calmly and patiently to the person, encouraging them to participate in the movement as much as they can.

Preparing for a Safe Car Transfer

Before assisting someone out of a car, create a safe environment to minimize risks for both you and the individual.

Parking and Positioning

Choose a level spot with ample space. Ideally, use a handicap parking spot if available. Open the car door as wide as possible and position yourself to prevent it from closing. Move the car seat back for legroom, and slightly raise it if adjustable to aid in standing.

Using Equipment for Assistance

Assistive devices can greatly help those with mobility challenges. Consult a healthcare professional to find the best options.

A swivel seat cushion can help the person turn without twisting. A handy bar or car caddy provides a stable grip. A gait belt offers the caregiver a secure, ergonomic hold. A leg lifter strap allows the person to use upper body strength to move their legs.

The Step-by-Step Car Exit Process

Throughout the process, maintain clear and calm communication, guiding the person through each step at a comfortable pace.

Phase 1: Swiveling Out of the Vehicle

1. Move feet out: Ask the person to move their feet out of the car one by one.
2. Slide to the edge: Help them slide to the edge of the seat with feet flat on the ground.
3. Encourage independence: Encourage them to use their own strength and hold onto a stable point inside the car (not the door).

Phase 2: Standing Up

1. Communicate: Let them know you'll stand on the count of three to ensure coordination.
2. Lean and stand: Have them lean forward. Place a hand on their back to encourage this lean and use your other hand for support under their arm or via a gait belt.
3. Lift with legs: Stand up using your leg muscles while keeping your back straight. Encourage the person to push off the seat.
4. Protect head: Use your hand to protect their head from the door frame.

Phase 3: Post-Transfer Stability

1. Pause: Allow them a moment to balance. Ask if they feel steady.
2. Position aids: Ensure any mobility aid is close and properly positioned before moving. Lock walker brakes.
3. Walk: Offer support while walking until they are stable with their aid.

Comparison of Assistive Devices for Car Transfers

Feature	Handy Bar / Car Caddy	Swivel Seat Cushion	Gait Belt	Leg Lifter Strap
Primary Function	Provides a secure handle for pushing up and balancing.	Enables easy rotation of the body, reducing twisting motion.	Offers a secure grip for the caregiver to guide and stabilize.	Assists in lifting and moving the legs for entry and exit.
Installation	Attaches to the door frame's striker plate or window frame.	Placed directly on the car seat.	Worn around the person's waist and securely fastened.	Wrapped around the person's foot/ankle to provide a handle for lifting.
Who Benefits Most	Individuals who can bear weight on their legs but need upper body support.	Those with limited hip or back mobility who struggle with twisting.	Caregivers and those they assist, for improved safety and ergonomics.	People with weakness in their legs or limited ability to bend them.
Caregiver Strain	Minimally reduces strain, as the person helps themselves.	Reduces twisting strain on the caregiver's back.	Greatly reduces caregiver back strain by providing a safe handle.	Avoids manual lifting of legs, protecting the caregiver's back.
Dignity	Promotes independence by empowering the person to help themselves.	Encourages self-movement during the transfer process.	Maintains a respectful distance, preventing awkward or intrusive contact.	Fosters independence by allowing the person to assist in lifting their own legs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors to ensure a safe and comfortable transfer:

• Pulling on arms: Never pull on the person's arms; use a gait belt for a safer grip.
• Twisting your back: Pivot your feet instead of twisting your waist. Bend at your knees and hips, keeping your back straight.
• Rushing: Take your time to prevent falls.
• Poor communication: Always explain each step clearly.

Conclusion

Learning how to help someone out of a car effectively is vital for caregivers. Proper techniques, clear communication, and assistive devices like swivel cushions or gait belts enhance safety and dignity during transfers. Always assess individual needs and communicate throughout the process. Consult trusted resources like the National Institute on Aging [https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving] for more guidance. Prioritizing safety and independence provides compassionate care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way to get an elderly person out of a car?

The safest way involves positioning the car on level ground with plenty of space. You should guide the person to swivel their legs out, slide to the edge of the seat, and push to a standing position using a stable hold point like the dashboard or a handy bar, while you assist with proper body mechanics.

What equipment is available to help someone get out of a car?

Useful equipment includes a swivel seat cushion to help the person rotate easily, a handy bar or car caddy that attaches to the door frame for a stable grip, and a gait belt for the caregiver to provide secure and safe support.

How can a caregiver avoid injury when helping someone out of a car?

To prevent injury, a caregiver should always bend their knees and lift with their legs, not their back. They should avoid twisting their waist by pivoting their feet instead. Using a gait belt can also protect the caregiver from strain by providing a secure handhold.

Should I lift the person completely out of the car?

No, you should never lift a person completely. The goal is to assist and guide them, allowing them to use their own strength as much as possible. This maintains their dignity and reduces the risk of injury for both of you.

How do you help someone with weak legs get out of a car?

For someone with weak legs, use a leg lifter strap to help them lift their legs one at a time. Encourage them to lean forward, use a sturdy handhold, and push with their hands to minimize reliance on their legs during the stand.

What if the person is hesitant or anxious about getting out?

Patience and clear communication are key. Move slowly, explain each step calmly, and give them time to adjust. Reassurance and asking how they feel can help reduce anxiety. Suggesting the use of a simple, stable grab bar might increase their confidence.

How can I make the car seat less of a struggle for transfers?

Placing a special swivel seat cushion on the car seat can make a significant difference. The cushion allows for easier rotation, eliminating the need for the person to twist their body and making the transfer much smoother.