Getting in and out of a car

Maintaining independence often hinges on your ability to get in and out of your car safely and comfortably. This can be particularly challenging for older adults living in Plymouth, especially for those with reduced mobility or who use wheelchairs.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Difficulty getting in and out due to low car height. This can lead to back pain, falls, and decreased mobility.	Without a wheelchair: Choose a car with a higher seat height. With a wheelchair:Consider wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) with ramps or lifts.
Reduced leg strength or balance issues. This can lead to increased fall risk.	Without a wheelchair: Utilise grab bars or handles for support. With a wheelchair: Transfer benches or sliding boards can ease movement.
Stiffness or pain. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty manoeuvring.	Without a wheelchair: Stretching exercises and supportive seating can help. With a wheelchair: Consult healthcare professionals for pain management strategies.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Difficulty getting in and out due to low car height.

This can lead to back pain, falls, and decreased mobility.

Without a wheelchair: Choose a car with a higher seat height.

With a wheelchair:Consider wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) with ramps or lifts.

Reduced leg strength or balance issues.

This can lead to increased fall risk.

Without a wheelchair: Utilise grab bars or handles for support.

With a wheelchair: Transfer benches or sliding boards can ease movement.

Stiffness or pain.

This can lead to discomfort and difficulty manoeuvring.

Without a wheelchair: Stretching exercises and supportive seating can help.

With a wheelchair: Consult healthcare professionals for pain management strategies.

Challenges for those without a wheelchair

Low car height: Climbing into a low car can strain your back, legs, and core muscles, potentially leading to pain and falls.
Reduced leg strength or balance issues: Getting in and out of a car requires a certain level of leg strength and balance. These can diminish with age, increasing the risk of falls.
Stiffness or pain: Joint pain and muscle stiffness, particularly in the lower back and legs, can make manoeuvring in and out of a car difficult and uncomfortable.

Advice for safe car entry and exit (without a wheelchair)

Choose the right car: Consider car models with higher seat heights, allowing for easier entry and exit with less strain on your legs and back.
Utilise grab bars or handles: Many cars come equipped with grab bars or handles on the A-pillar (the pillar between the windscreen and the door) or the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors) for added support when entering or exiting the vehicle.
Take your time: Avoid rushing, especially when getting out of the car. Swing your legs out first, use the grab bars for support, and push yourself up with your legs for a smooth exit.
Strengthen your legs and core: Regularly performing exercises that target your leg and core muscles can significantly improve your ability to get in and out of your car safely and independently.

Challenges for wheelchair users

The challenges faced by individuals who use wheelchairs are more significant and require specialised solutions.

Transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat: Transferring safely and comfortably from a wheelchair to a car seat can be difficult, especially without assistance.
Vehicle accessibility: Standard cars are not designed to accommodate wheelchairs, making entry and exit a significant obstacle.

Equipment and aids to help people who use a wheelchair

Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs): These specially modified vehicles often have ramps or lifts that allow you to wheel your chair directly into the car.
Transfer benches: These benches provide a stable intermediate platform between the wheelchair and the car seat, making transfers easier and safer.
Sliding boards: These rigid boards help you transfer from your wheelchair to the car seat by providing a smooth gliding surface.
Hand controls: For individuals with limited leg mobility, hand controls allow you to operate the brakes and accelerator with your hands.

Additional things to consider

Plan ahead: Park in accessible parking spaces with ample space for manoeuvring your wheelchair.
Secure your wheelchair: Always ensure your wheelchair is securely locked in place using the designated tie-down points in your WAV or adapted vehicle.
Seek professional guidance: An occupational therapist can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable equipment and transfer techniques for safe and independent car travel.

Where to buy equipment to help you get in and out of car

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.