Getting an Elderly Person In and Out of a Car, Safely

Make the car easier first

Before the technique, set up the car.

• Choose the right car or seat. A seat at about hip height, around 50 cm, is easiest. Low sports cars and tall vans are harder. The front passenger seat usually has the most room and a wider door opening.
• Park well. Choose a flat, even spot with enough room to open the door fully and with the kerb or ground level with the door. Avoid kerbs, slopes, mud and puddles.
• Slide the seat back as far as it goes, and recline the backrest slightly. This gives more room for head and legs.
• Open the door fully and check it is secure, particularly on a slope.
• Remove obstacles. Clear the seat and floor of bags and objects.
• Add a firm cushion if the seat is low; see car seat cushions for older passengers.
• Consider a swivel cushion, a rotating pad that lets a person sit down and turn to face forward, which reduces twisting for stiff hips and backs. Check that it is secure and non-slip.
• Check the footwear. Non-slip shoes with good grip; see walking aids and footwear.

Getting in: step by step

1. Position your parent with their back to the car seat, standing close, with the backs of their legs touching the seat or the sill. The aim is to sit down, not to climb in. 2. Walking aid out of the way. Hold the stick or walker with one hand or give it to the helper. Never put a walker in the way of the door. 3. Hold a stable point. Your parent holds the top of the door frame, the grab handle or the seat back with one hand, not the door itself, which can move. Do not let them hold the door. 4. Bend and lower. Ask them to bend the knees and hips and lower their bottom slowly onto the seat, keeping the head tilted forward to clear the roof. Your hand, held flat, can shield the top of the head from the door frame. 5. Sit all the way back on the seat. 6. Swing the legs in. Lift one leg at a time into the car, supporting each, while the person turns on the seat, or use a swivel cushion to turn the body and legs together. 7. Straighten up and check position: hips back, knees clear of the dashboard, feet on the floor. 8. Fasten the seat belt across the chest and lap, and check it is not twisted or across the neck. 9. Close the door carefully, checking that hands, feet, clothes and the walking aid are clear.

Make sure they have their medicines, water and phone before closing the door.

Getting out: step by step

1. Open the door fully and check the ground outside is clear and safe. 2. Undo the seat belt and prepare the walking aid, placing it near the door within reach, but not in the way. 3. Turn the body, swinging the legs out one at a time until both feet are flat on the ground, a little apart. 4. Shuffle forward to the front edge of the seat, with the feet back under the knees. 5. Hold a stable point, such as the door frame or a grab handle, and put the other hand on the seat or a stick. Do not pull on the door. 6. Lean forward with the nose over the toes, and push up on a count of three, with the helper steadying at the waist or belt. 7. Pause to let dizziness settle and to find balance. 8. Take hold of the walking aid and take a step away from the car. 9. Close the door once your parent is safe.

For help with the standing step, see helping an elderly parent stand from a chair.

What the helper should do

• Stand close, on the side of the weaker leg, in front or slightly behind, with feet apart and knees bent.
• Hold a transfer belt around the waist, if advised; see how to use a transfer belt.
• Guard the head at the door frame with a hand.
• Do not pull on the arms or the clothes.
• Do not lift your parent's weight. If they cannot stand or bear weight, use a slide board or a trained person.
• Keep your back straight and use your legs.
• Give simple instructions such as "back up until you feel the seat," "bend your knees," and "head down."
• Be patient. It may take a minute or two.

Equipment that can help

• Swivel cushion: rotates the body in the seat.
• Seat cushion: raises the seat height.
• Grab handle or "handybar": a small portable handle that fits into the door latch and gives a firm point to hold. Use only products designed and checked for this purpose.
• Transfer belt: a safer way to steady and guide.
• Slide board: for people who can sit but not stand, used with training.
• Folding walking aid: easy to place in the car; see folding walking sticks for travel.
• Seat belt reach aid: a handle or clip to make the belt easier to reach and fasten.

Special situations

After hip surgery. Follow hip precautions, which may restrict bending and twisting; use a raised seat and avoid low cars. Ask the surgeon.

After knee surgery. Slide the seat back to allow the leg to extend, and avoid deep sitting.

After a stroke. Sit down on the stronger side where possible, support the weak arm and leg, and teach the movement with a therapist; see walking aids after a stroke.

With a wheelchair. See wheelchair and car travel for the transfer and loading.

With dementia. Give calm, short instructions, one at a time, and allow time. Some people become frightened or refuse. Do not force; try again later.

Very heavy or frail. Do not attempt alone. Use a second helper, a hoist or an adapted vehicle.

With a taxi or rickshaw. Ask the driver to wait and to help carry the aid. Choose a taxi with a higher seat if possible.

Common mistakes

• Stepping in forward, like climbing a ladder, instead of sitting down first.
• Hitting the head on the door frame.
• Holding the door to steady, which can swing.
• Dropping into the seat from a height.
• Twisting at the waist instead of turning the body.
• Pulling on the person's arm.
• Parking on a kerb or slope.
• Forgetting the seat belt check.
• Closing the door on a foot or a hand.
• Rushing.

Staying safe on the road

Always fasten the seat belt. A person who is leaning or slumped should be supported with cushions and checked regularly. Drive smoothly. Plan breaks on long drives, and keep a card with contact details in the car. See wheelchair and car travel for more on comfort and breaks.

When to ask a professional

An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can teach the method in your own car, recommend equipment and assess whether it is safe. Ask for help if your parent has fallen when getting in or out, cannot stand without heavy help, has pain on sitting or standing, or is afraid of the car. See a doctor if standing causes dizziness, chest pain or breathlessness. Our care advisors can arrange a trained companion for appointments.