I will describe the safest way to get in and out of any car. You’ll do it this way whether you’re recovering from hip/knee surgery, back surgery, feeling weak or shaky, or just have issues with balance. If you are using a wheelchair for mobility but are able to stand and turn then you would follow these same steps, standing up from the chair to turn prior to sitting in the car seat. The proceedure is the same whether you are the driver or the passenger.
1. The carseat should be slid back (if you were the last one to get out of that seat then it will already be in position).
2. Approach the car, open the door, then turn so that you’ve got your back to the interior of the car. Be sure that the backs of your legs are touching the car.
3. Sit back onto the car seat using the dashboard and any available solid handles to steady yourself and make it a slow controlled sit. Avoid holding onto the car door or door handle as it will swing towards you and close the door on your legs!
4. Pivot in your seat and bring your legs into the car one at a time.
Getting out of the car is just the reverse. Take your legs out one at a time and pivot so you are sitting on the car seat with both feet on the ground (or on a step if the seat is high and your feet don’t reach the ground). Push up to stand, use handles if available or put your hands on the seat itself and push.
Other considerations: The type of car you are using, its height and how wide the doors open can all make a difference. If the seat is high, you can keep a small folding stool in the car. You would then step up onto the stool before turning to sit and step out onto the stool from the seat. A car cane, may be useful whether the seat is high or low.
This is the car cane that I have in my car. It is called a Handybar and can be used in two different orientations based on the type of latch in your car door jamb. It makes for a very solid handle to push down on when you are trying to stand up or when you are slowly lowering yourself to sit.
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