Getting In and Out of Cars Safely: A Practical Guide

Why Car Transfers Can Be Difficult

Getting in and out of a car involves a complex sequence of movements: standing from a seat, turning, bending, lowering yourself down, swinging your legs inside, and then reversing the whole process to get out. For people with conditions such as arthritis, hip replacements, back pain, Parkinson’s, stroke, or general age-related stiffness, these movements can be painful, exhausting, or dangerous.

Falls during car transfers are a common cause of injury among older adults and disabled people. With the right techniques and aids, these risks can be significantly reduced.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

The type of car you use makes a significant difference to how easy transfers are. Key factors to consider include:

• Seat height – a seat that is roughly the same height as your bottom when standing means less bending. SUVs and crossovers are often easier than low-slung saloons
• Door opening – wide door openings give more room to manoeuvre. Sliding doors (as on some MPVs) can be ideal in tight parking spaces
• Seat position – electric seat adjustment allows you to move the seat back for more legroom during transfers
• Step height – some vehicles are too high to step into easily, even if the seat height is good. Running boards or side steps can help

Step-by-Step: Getting Into a Car

From Standing

1. Back up to the car until you feel the seat against the back of your legs
2. Hold onto the car door frame, the grab handle above the door, or a handybar for support
3. Lower yourself slowly onto the edge of the seat, keeping your weight forward
4. Once seated, use a swivel cushion or slide your bottom to turn towards the front
5. Lift your legs into the car one at a time, using your hands to help if needed
6. Shuffle back in the seat until you are in a comfortable driving or passenger position

From a Wheelchair

1. Position the wheelchair as close to the car seat as possible, at a slight angle
2. Lock the wheelchair brakes and remove the armrest closest to the car
3. Place a transfer board between the wheelchair seat and the car seat if you cannot stand
4. Slide across the board in small movements, keeping your weight centred
5. Once on the car seat, use a swivel cushion to rotate into position
6. Have someone fold and store the wheelchair, or use a hoist

Step-by-Step: Getting Out of a Car

1. Open the door fully and swivel on the seat (or swivel cushion) until your legs are outside the car
2. Slide forward until your feet are firmly on the ground
3. Hold onto the door frame, grab handle, or handybar
4. Lean forward so your weight is over your feet
5. Push up to standing, keeping hold of the support
6. Pause and steady yourself before walking away

Helpful Aids for Safer Transfers

• Swivel cushion – eliminates the need to twist your body on the seat (from around £10)
• Handybar – a portable grab handle that fits into the door striker plate (from around £20)
• Leg lifter strap – a strap or band that loops around your foot so you can lift your leg into the car using your hands
• Transfer board – a smooth board for sliding between wheelchair and car seat
• Car door handle extension – makes it easier to pull the door closed from inside

Tips for Carers Assisting with Car Transfers

If you are helping someone get in or out of a car, good technique protects both of you from injury:

• Never lift the person by their arms, as this can cause shoulder injuries
• Use a transfer belt (a belt around the person’s waist that you can grip) for safer assisted standing
• Guide rather than lift wherever possible
• Make sure the car is parked on level ground with plenty of space to open the door fully
• If the person can bear some weight, let them do as much as they can independently
• Consider having an occupational therapist demonstrate the safest transfer technique for the individual’s needs

When to Seek Professional Advice

If car transfers are becoming increasingly difficult or painful, it is worth speaking to an occupational therapist. They can assess your specific needs, recommend the most appropriate aids, and teach you techniques that reduce strain and fall risk. A referral can usually be arranged through your GP or local council adult social care team.

For drivers, a driving assessment through the Driving Mobility network can evaluate whether vehicle adaptations would make transfers and driving easier and safer.

Sources & Useful Resources

Official Resources

• GOV.UK: Apply for a Blue Badge – access to wider disabled parking bays

Charity & Advisory Resources

• RiDC: Getting In and Out of a Car – research-based guide
• Age UK: Blue Badge Guide

Product Comparisons

• Manage At Home: Car Transfer Aids – handy bars, swivel cushions

Helpful Videos