When you’re caring for an older adult, something as simple as a short drive can be stressful or even dangerous. Older adults sometimes have weakened leg strength or balance, which makes it difficult to enter and exit a vehicle. But you shouldn’t let that keep you from taking your loved one outdoors! These tips will teach you how to help older adults in and out of a vehicle.
5 Tips for Helping Older Adults Enter and Exit a Vehicle
When you’re learning how to help an older adult in and out of a vehicle, there are 5 key points to remember:
- Be patient
- Leave plenty of space
- Sit down first
- Once seated, swivel legs
- Swivel and stand for exiting the vehicle
- Consider using a Transport Chair
Related Blog: How To Tell if Your Loved One is at Risk of Falling
1. Be Patient
Patience is so important when you’re helping an older adult in and out of a vehicle. Even if you’re in a rush to get somewhere, whether it’s a doctor’s appointment or family event, safety should always be a top priority. Your loved one is more likely to fall and get injured when you make them feel hurried.
Instead, try to arrive early when you’re picking up the person in your care, and leave yourself an extra 10 or 15 minutes to help them gather their belongings and get into the vehicle safely.
Remember: the time you spend with your loved ones is precious, so don’t be afraid to slow down a little and try to enjoy every minute of the quality time you spend together—even if it’s taking a slow walk to the car.
2. Leave Plenty of Space
Make sure you leave plenty of space between the vehicle and the curb so you have enough space to help your loved one into the vehicle. A curb is a major fall hazard for older adults, and if you park too close to the curb then your loved one might be at risk of falling as they try to enter the vehicle.
If you haven’t already, consider getting a handicap placard or license plate so you’re able to use handicap parking spaces, which provide you with more room to help your loved one enter and exit the vehicle.
You should also make sure there’s plenty of space inside your vehicle. It’s usually best to have your loved one sit down in the front passenger seat because there’s more leg room to work with, and don’t forget to clear out any clutter on the floor.
Related Blog: Five Fall Risk Areas In & Out of the Home
3. Sit Down First
When you enter a vehicle, you probably put one leg inside the vehicle first before taking a seat. This can be challenging for older adults, who might not have the leg strength or dexterity to enter the vehicle in one swift motion.
Instead, have your loved one take a seat first before getting their legs into the vehicle. With their back facing the car, help them gently lower themselves into the seat. They might need to grip your arm, grab handle, or passenger seat for support while they’re sitting down.
It might be best to sit your loved one in the front passenger seat so you have a little more leg space to work with.
4. Once Seated, Swivel Legs
Once your loved one is safely seated, now you can focus on getting their legs into the vehicle. Work on one leg at a time! If your loved one has difficulty picking up or bending their legs, you can use mobility aids such as leg lifters, which are super convenient and comfortable to use. A swivel cushion is also very helpful.
5. Swivel and Stand for Exiting the Vehicle
To help your loved one get out of the vehicle, you’re going to use the same process, but in reverse:
- Help them turn their body so their legs are facing away from the vehicle
- Gently lift your loved one out of the seat. If this is difficult, consider using a gait belt.
- If your loved one is using a mobility aid, such as a cane or walker, make sure that it’s ready for them to grip as soon as they stand up out of the car. If using a Rollator, make sure the brakes are in a locked position.
6. Consider Using a Transport Chair
If your loved one has difficulty getting to the car and even walking longer distances with a cane or walker, transport chairs are a great option. They are much lighter and more compact than wheelchairs making them much easier to get in and out of a vehicle.
- Roll the transport chair to the car
- Engage both wheel lock brakes
- Lift up the footrest plates and flip up arms (an option) if transferring is easier then stepping out of the transport chair
Related Blog: How To Choose a Walker
Stay Mobile and Prevent Falls with NOVA
If you’re worried about your loved one falling down, remember that one of the best ways to prevent falls is by using mobility aids, such as canes, walkers, and rollators. At NOVA, we create walkers that are not only strong, but easily packable for short drives or long road trips—and they’re stylish and joyous to use!
Now that you have some tools and tips to safely maneuver a car trip, you can focus on being together and sharing experiences with the ones you love.
For more actionable fall prevention tips for your loved ones, download NOVA’s Home Safety Toolbox.
Are you a caregiver or medical practitioner? Join the NOVA Network today to learn more about the resources we provide.
