How to Help Someone Get In and Out of a Car Safely

Getting in and out of a car can be a surprisingly difficult task for many people, especially as we get older or if mobility issues arise. Whether you are a family carer, a professional Caregiver, or someone supporting a loved one, helping with car transfers requires care, safety, and respect for the person’s independence.

In this article, based on expert advice from Jo Cleary, Learning and Development Manager at Unique Senior Care, we’ll explore practical, safe, and dignified ways to assist someone in and out of a car.

Jo shares valuable insights into why manual lifting of legs can be risky, introduces helpful mobility aids, and offers simple techniques that promote independence while reducing strain on the Caregiver. This guide will empower you with knowledge and confidence to support your loved ones or clients during car transfers safely and respectfully.

Why Getting In and Out of a Car Can Be Challenging

As we age or face mobility impairments, everyday activities that once felt effortless can become challenging. Getting in and out of a car is one such activity that can present difficulties due to limited strength, balance issues, stiffness, or pain.

Many people find themselves tempted to manually lift the legs of their relatives or clients to help them into or out of the vehicle. However, this approach is not only physically demanding but also risky. It often involves bending awkwardly and lifting heavy limbs, which can lead to back injuries for the carer and discomfort or loss of dignity for the person being helped.

Preserving dignity and independence is crucial. When a person feels they can manage a task themselves, even with some assistance, it boosts their confidence and maintains their sense of autonomy.

Understanding the Risks of Manual Lifting

Lifting someone’s legs manually during car transfers is classified as a high-risk activity. Here’s why:

• Risk of injury to the carer: Bending over repeatedly or awkwardly to lift legs can strain the back and other muscles.
• Discomfort for the person being helped: Forced lifting can feel undignified and uncomfortable, potentially causing pain.
• Loss of independence: The person may feel overly dependent on others, impacting their self-esteem.

Instead of attempting to lift legs directly, there are safer and more effective ways to assist that involve using specialised equipment and encouraging the person to use their own strength where possible.

Practical Equipment to Make Car Transfers Easier

Using the right mobility aids can make a significant difference in helping someone get in and out of a car safely and comfortably. Jo highlights four key pieces of equipment that can help:

1. Rotor Cushion (Swivel Cushion)

The rotor cushion is a revolving disc that you place on the car seat. It allows the person to rotate their body easily as they get in or out, reducing the need to twist their torso or strain their legs.

This simple device makes the movement smoother and less strenuous, especially for those with limited hip or back mobility. It encourages the person to move themselves, enhancing their independence.

2. Handy Bar

The handy bar attaches securely into the car door frame and acts as a sturdy handle. The person can hold onto this bar to steady themselves and push down as they rise or lower themselves into the seat.

This provides an excellent point of contact and support, giving the person confidence and stability during the transfer. It’s especially useful for people who can bear weight on their arms but need extra balance support.

3. Leg Lifter

Some individuals have weakness on one side, making it difficult to lift one leg into the car. A leg lifter is a strap with a loop that you hook around the foot. The person can then use their upper body strength to lift their leg independently.

This tool is especially helpful for those who are otherwise fairly mobile but have one weaker leg. It prevents the carer from having to lift the leg manually, promoting safety and dignity.

4. Car Caddy

The car caddy hooks around the window frame of the car door and provides another solid handhold for stability. It offers an additional point of contact, giving the person more options to steady themselves when entering or exiting the vehicle.

This device is particularly useful when combined with the other aids, creating a safer and more supportive environment for transfers.

How to Support Someone’s Independence During Car Transfers

One of the most important aspects of helping someone with mobility challenges is maintaining their independence and preserving their dignity. Here are some ways to do this effectively:

• Encourage self-movement: Use equipment like the rotor cushion and leg lifter to enable the person to move themselves rather than being lifted.
• Provide stable handholds: Devices like the handy bar and car caddy offer reliable grips that the person can use to balance and push off from.
• Offer verbal guidance: Gently explain each step and reassure the person, giving them confidence in their ability.
• Be patient and give time: Avoid rushing transfers; allow the person to move at their own pace.
• Respect preferences: Ask how they would like to be helped and adjust your approach accordingly.

By focusing on these approaches, you not only reduce physical strain but also support the emotional well-being of the person you’re helping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Someone Get In and Out of a Car

Here’s a practical step-by-step guide combining the use of equipment and safe techniques:

Getting Into the Car

1. Ensure the car door is fully open and the seat is clear.
2. Place the rotor cushion on the seat.
3. Attach the handy bar securely to the car door frame or install the car caddy if available.
4. Help the person sit on the edge of the seat or on the rotor cushion outside the car, if possible.
5. Encourage them to hold the handy bar or car caddy for support.
6. Guide them to rotate their body on the rotor cushion to face forward inside the car.
7. If one leg is weaker, provide the leg lifter strap so they can lift it using their upper body strength.
8. Once seated fully, help adjust their position comfortably and safely.
9. Close the door carefully, ensuring the person is secure and comfortable.

Getting Out of the Car

1. Open the car door fully to give enough space.
2. Attach the handy bar or car caddy if not already in place.
3. Encourage the person to use the handy bar or car caddy to steady themselves.
4. Assist them to rotate on the rotor cushion towards the door.
5. If needed, use the leg lifter strap to help lift the weaker leg out first.
6. Support the person as they move from sitting to standing, encouraging them to use their own strength.
7. Once standing, ensure they have stable footing before moving away from the car.
8. Close the door if you are responsible for the vehicle.

Following these steps carefully creates a safer, more comfortable experience for everyone involved.

Additional Tips for Safe and Respectful Car Transfers

• Assess individual needs: Every person is different. Consider their mobility level, strength, and comfort to tailor your approach.
• Use equipment correctly: Familiarise yourself with how to install and use each mobility aid safely.
• Maintain good posture: When assisting, keep your back straight and bend your knees to avoid injury.
• Communicate clearly: Explain what you’re doing and ask for feedback to ensure the person feels in control.
• Create a calm environment: Avoid distractions and take your time to reduce anxiety.
• Practice regularly: Regular use of these techniques and equipment can build confidence and improve mobility.

Why Choosing the Right Equipment Matters

Investing in quality mobility aids can transform the experience of car transfers. The rotor cushion, handy bar, leg lifter, and car caddy are designed to reduce risks and promote independence. These tools:

• Minimise physical strain on carers, reducing the chance of injury.
• Empower the person with mobility challenges to use their own strength.
• Enhance safety by providing stable handholds and smooth movements.
• Help maintain dignity by allowing the person to feel in control.

Many Caregivers find that combining these aids creates the best support system. For example, using the rotor cushion alongside the handy bar provides both ease of movement and stability.

A Thoughtful Approach Makes All the Difference

Getting in and out of a car might seem like a small moment in the day — but with the right support, it can be safer, simpler, and far more dignified.

Tools like swivel cushions, leg lifters, and handy bars aren’t about taking over. They’re about helping someone do what they can do, while making sure both of you stay safe.

If you’re regularly supporting someone with mobility challenges, it’s worth learning more about gentle techniques like these — and finding small ways to make everyday tasks feel easier and more respectful.

You can explore more practical advice in our Moving and Handling training series, which covers everyday support with dignity in mind. And if you ever feel unsure or would like help arranging professional care at home, we’re always here to talk things through.