Wheelchair users can sometimes have difficulty with standing up to get into a car. By using assistive transfer devices, a wheelchair to car transfer can be completed more safely and easily.
Some of the common pieces of equipment that can help a disabled wheelchair user get into a car include:
- Vehicle support grab bar – connected to the door latch, this grab bar can be used to steady oneself during a car transfer
This support handle latches onto the car frame and can be pushed downwards to provide a sturdy surface to stabilize oneself while transferring into or out of a vehicle.
For wheelchair users that may have difficulty with transfers related to leg weakness, this device helps by allowing them to use the strength in their upper body to support the lower body during a transfer.
- Slide n’ Ride – height adjustable board that can be sat on from outside the car, and then used to slide across to get onto the car seat
A Slide n’ Ride is a bench that sits partially outside the car and partially inside the car. To use it, one sits on the exterior part of the bench, then weight shift sideways until you can move onto the car seat and position the legs inside the car.
The use of this device can reduce falls as the entire transfer can be completed from a seated position. With this equipment, there is no need to stand or step up into the vehicle. This can be helpful for wheelchair users, who may have decreased leg strength and endurance limitations.
Once positioned inside the car, the equipment can be stowed away for later use with exiting the vehicle when the destination is reached. Getting out is a simple process that is the reverse of entering the vehicle.
- Pull me up handle – rigid ring that is pulled by the wheelchair user and held by a caregiver to provide additional physical support with standing and transferring into a car
With a caregiver steadying the ring, a wheelchair user can pull on the other end to get into standing with less effort. Once standing, transferring into a nearby vehicle can be done more easily.
Use of this device requires that a caregiver provide some input of strength to assist with pulling the wheelchair user up and may involve bearing their weight in the process to some degree. As a result, proper body mechanics need to be executed to minimize risk of back injuries.
This tool is lightweight and portable, and can be easily moved for transfer assistance in different settings.
- Transfer board – a wooden or reinforced plastic board that acts as a bridge between a wheelchair and the car seat to help someone slide inside the car
This transfer aid can help wheelchair users get into a vehicle by sliding along a board that is positioned between the car and the wheelchair. This can reduce fall risks as the entire transfer is done while sitting down.
That said, this device requires that the wheelchair and car seat be roughly the same height. If the seat of the car is taller than the wheelchair, it may be difficult for someone to slide up an incline. This height difference can be corrected to some degree by parking the car near a curb where the wheelchair would be positioned slightly higher by standing on the curbside.
If the car seat is lower than the wheelchair seat’s height, sliding along the board to a lower level may be dangerous as one’s body can pick up speed and may contribute to a loss of balance. A car seat booster cushion can be used to reduce the height difference, however caution should be used to ensure the booster seat does not shift during a transfer or use.
- Transfer belt – belt that is wrapped around the waist, and pulled on to help a wheelchair user stand up and position into a vehicle
A transfer belt allows a caregiver to provide additional physical support to someone that requires assistance with standing up from a wheelchair, transferring and repositioning. This is a simple aid to use that is secured around the waist and has handles that can be held when providing assistance.
The use of this aid requires that the caregiver and wheelchair user be knowledgeable regarding body mechanics and exercise a good transfer technique to prevent any twisting or awkward bending that can increase the risk of injury or falls.
- Lift assist standing aid – supportive handle held by a caregiver and pulled by the wheelchair user to get up from their chair and reposition into a car
Similar to a pull me up handle, the wheelchair user holds one end of this lift assist aid, and a caregiver holds the other side as they pull together to help the wheelchair user stand up. Once standing, the wheelchair user can be repositioned into the car with greater ease.
One distinct feature of this lift assist equipment is that it has a rigid structure with individual hand holds for pulling, whereas the pull me up handle is one continuous piece with no clear marking as to where hands should be placed.
The non-slip textured grips are made of high-quality durable polypropylene plastic and can easily be cleaned. As well, this device is lightweight and can easily be carried for use in a variety of settings.
- Swivel seat cushion – rotatable disc that is placed onto the car seat to help turn the body to get legs in or out of the car
When sitting on his swivel cushion that is placed onto a car seat, the body of a wheelchair user can be easily turned to face forward to sit in the car, or sideways in preparation for entering or exiting the vehicle.
In essence this device is used to help position someone within the car, and helps to facilitate a more easy transfer into or out of the vehicle.