How to make it easier for elderly to get in a car: Your Comprehensive Guide

Oct 29, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Safety Mobility

According to the National Institute on Aging, more than a third of adults over 65 report difficulty with walking or climbing stairs, a challenge that extends to vehicle entry. Knowing how to make it easier for elderly to get in a car can significantly improve their quality of life, dignity, and safety, while also easing the burden on caregivers.

Quick Summary

Assisting seniors with car entry involves employing the 'sit-and-swivel' technique, utilizing simple aids like swivel cushions and portable handles for added stability, and considering the vehicle's height and setup to ensure a smoother, safer transfer process for everyone involved.

Key Points

Use the "Sit-and-Swivel" Technique: Instead of stepping in sideways, have the senior back up to the seat, sit down first, and then swivel their legs into the car for better balance and stability.
Utilize Mobility Aids: Inexpensive tools like portable car handles, swivel seat cushions, and leg lifter straps can provide crucial support and reduce strain during transfers.
Optimize Vehicle Choice: Higher vehicles like SUVs and crossovers, which have a seat height closer to hip level, generally make entry and exit easier than lower sedans.
Prioritize Safety First: Always park on a level surface, ensure the senior wears appropriate footwear, and communicate clearly to prevent rushing and reduce fall risk.
Adjust Vehicle Setup: Recline the seat slightly, push it back to create more space, and ensure the door is held securely to provide stable points of contact for the senior.
Build Strength: Encourage seniors to engage in balance and strength-building exercises, which can improve their mobility and confidence during everyday tasks like getting into a car.

Understanding the Challenges of Vehicle Entry

For many older adults, a simple task like getting into a car can become a difficult and even dangerous endeavor. Reduced flexibility, joint pain from arthritis, decreased balance, and overall muscle weakness are common age-related factors that contribute to this challenge. The twisting and lifting motion required for traditional car entry can strain joints, increase the risk of falls, and cause significant discomfort.

The "Sit-and-Swivel" Technique: A Safe Alternative

The standard method of stepping one leg in and then lowering into the seat requires significant balance and coordination. The “sit-and-swivel” technique is a safer, more stable alternative that minimizes stress on the body. Here is a step-by-step guide for performing this method effectively:

Prepare the Vehicle: Park on a level surface and open the car door as wide as possible. Push the passenger seat back to maximize legroom. If using a walker or other aid, ensure it is positioned securely nearby.
Back Up to the Seat: Guide the senior to back up towards the car seat until they feel the seat's edge on the back of their legs.
Sit Down Slowly: Have the senior hold onto a stable point, such as a secure handle or the car's door frame. Help them gently lower their body to sit sideways on the seat, being mindful of their head clearance. Remind them to take their time and avoid “plopping” down.
Swivel the Legs In: Once seated securely, the senior can lift their legs one at a time and swivel them into the vehicle. You can assist by lifting at the knee, never at the ankle, to help guide their legs inside.
Adjust and Secure: After both legs are inside, help the senior move back into a comfortable and upright position. Fasten their seatbelt, ensuring it is properly fitted across their lap and shoulder.

Essential Mobility Aids for Easier Car Access

Several products are designed to make car transfers safer and more efficient. These tools can provide much-needed support, stability, and leverage for seniors and caregivers alike.

Swivel Seat Cushion: A round, rotating cushion placed on the car seat allows the senior to swivel their body with minimal effort. This is especially helpful for those with limited hip or back mobility. The cushion reduces friction and makes the sit-and-swivel process much smoother.
Portable Car Handle (Car Cane): This L-shaped device hooks securely into the U-shaped door latch striker on the car’s frame. It provides a sturdy, non-slip handle that the senior can use for support when pushing up to a standing position or lowering themselves down. It's a highly portable and inexpensive solution.
Car Caddy Handle/Support Strap: This handle loops around the window frame of the car door, offering a strong grip for assistance. It provides an additional handhold for balance and support during entry and exit.
Leg Lifter Strap: For individuals with leg weakness or difficulty lifting their legs, this simple strap with hand loops can be invaluable. The senior places the loop around their foot and uses their upper body strength to lift and guide their leg into the car. This empowers the individual and reduces strain on the caregiver's back.

Optimizing Your Vehicle for Senior Passengers

Beyond using proper techniques and aids, some vehicle characteristics can significantly impact accessibility. When choosing a car or modifying your current one, consider these factors.

Vehicle Accessibility Comparison


Feature	Sedans	SUVs/Crossovers	Minivans
Seat Height	Lower to the ground; requires more bending and lowering.	Seat height is typically at hip level; minimizes bending and climbing.	Easy, walk-in access with a higher, upright seating position.
Door Opening	Often have lower, more angled door openings.	Higher, wider door openings for easier entry without ducking.	Very wide, sliding doors offer the largest possible opening.
Leg Room	Can be limited, making it harder to maneuver legs.	Generally offers more leg and foot room.	Abundant legroom for easy movement and transfer.
Saddle Height	Can have a thick door sill, requiring a high step-over.	Varies, but often a higher sill to step over.	Low-profile and wide for easy step-in access.
Overall Effort	Requires more strength, balance, and flexibility.	Less strenuous due to optimal height and opening.	Easiest access with minimal bending or twisting.

Additional Safety Tips for Caregivers and Seniors

Clear Communication: Always discuss the plan with the senior before starting. Explain each step clearly and calmly to avoid startling them. Ask what they need and how they feel most comfortable being helped.
Proper Footwear: Ensure the senior is wearing supportive shoes with non-slip soles. This helps prevent slipping during transfers.
Keep the Path Clear: Remove any clutter from the floor of the vehicle and clear the area around the car door. Tripping hazards can significantly increase the risk of a fall.
Patience is Key: Rushing transfers is a major safety risk. Give the senior ample time to move at their own pace and maintain their balance. Arriving early for appointments can reduce stress for everyone.
Practice with a Therapist: For those with more severe mobility challenges, practicing car transfers with a physical or occupational therapist can build confidence and teach the safest techniques for their specific needs. You can learn more about finding a specialist through resources like the American Physical Therapy Association.

Conclusion

Making it easier for elderly to get in a car is a critical component of healthy aging and effective senior care. By combining proper techniques like the “sit-and-swivel” with helpful mobility aids and considering vehicle accessibility, you can ensure that car trips are safe, comfortable, and dignified experiences. Remember that patience, clear communication, and a proactive approach are the best tools for success. Taking these steps can make a world of difference for both seniors and their caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

For low-slung cars, the easiest method is the 'sit-and-swivel' technique. Sit on the seat facing out first, then use your arms to help swivel your body and legs into the car. A swivel seat cushion can make this process much easier.

Several tools are highly effective, including a portable car handle that hooks into the door latch, a swivel seat cushion, a car caddy handle that attaches to the window frame, and a leg lifter strap for assisting with leg movement.

Yes, a portable car handle is a very safe and effective tool. It is designed to hook securely into the sturdy U-shaped latch of the car door frame, providing a stable and reliable grip point for leverage when standing or sitting.

To prevent back injury, caregivers should assist ergonomically. Focus on guiding and supporting the senior's movements rather than lifting them. Encourage the senior to use their own strength as much as possible, and use aids like a leg lifter strap instead of manually lifting their legs.

Vehicles with a higher seat height, such as SUVs, crossovers, or minivans, are often easiest for seniors to enter and exit. They require less bending and offer more upright seating. Additionally, look for cars with wider door openings and ample legroom.

While some use step stools, it can be a fall hazard due to instability. A collapsible, wide-based step is a safer option, but using a portable car handle or a vehicle with an optimal seat height is generally preferred for maximum safety and stability.

The process for exiting the car is the reverse of entering. Use the 'swivel-and-stand' method: first, swivel the legs out, then use a stable handhold (like a portable handle) to push up to a standing position. Take it slow and be patient to maintain balance.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.