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Lift Up Your Everyday - Mobility

Occupational therapy advice for people with mobility difficulties when using cars

Driving is a great way to be independent, enabling us to connect with other people, take part in social events, or travel to work. But for people with mobility issues, there can be times when it's a challenge to get into, or out of, a car.

If someone has mobility issues - perhaps an older person who is becoming frail or who has had a fall, or someone who has had recent surgery - getting into and out of a car can prove to be a challenge, making them reluctant to travel. Fortunately, there are lots of ways and adjustments to help people of all ages and with a range of conditions to overcome these difficulties.

We've teamed up with Toyota to provide expert occupational therapy advice to help people maintain that freedom and help you Lift Up Your Everyday.

Start by making adjustments

Cars can be adjusted to improve passenger and driver safety, as well as ensure the driving position is safe and comfortable.

  • If you have restricted mobility, move your seat back as far as possible to get more space. This is particularly useful for people with knee issues, or with prosthetic limbs.
  • You can adjust seat belts so they are in the best position for comfort and safety. 
  • Drivers can also adjust the steering column.

Plan where to store any equipment you need

If you're living with mobility issues you might have equipment you need to bring with you.
Here are a few ways to help to make this easier and safer:

  • If you have a wheelchair or walker, think about where it might fit in the car and how much it weighs.
  • See if you can fold the equipment down or take it apart; that way it won't be so heavy to lift and will be easier to store.
  • Think about the best place to store your equipment; behind car seats might be better than the boot.
  • If you're using the boot, put a blanket down first - it'll create a smoother surface and make it easier to slide your equipment in and out.
  • Before you get in the car, store your walking stick(s) in the back, otherwise they could interfere with the pedals.

Stay safe while getting in and out

If someone has a mobility issue - perhaps an older person who is becoming frail or who has had a fall - they may be hesitant to go out to minimise the risk of further incidents. 

  • Find the safest place to put your hands for support. Instead of balancing on a walking frame, use the car's frame. Roof-mounted grab handles could be used for assistance, but not full weight bearing.
  • Consider getting a portable door handle (sometimes known as a bunny handle). This provides a secure handle you can use and can be easily stored in the glove compartment or door.
  • Get into the car bottom-first. This helps you keep both feet on the ground until you're sitting down and means that you're less likely to fall or stumble.
  • Once sitting down, you can use a swivel cushion to help you get into the right position - but if you don't have one, a plastic bag works too!
  • A leg-lifter can help you get your legs over the sill of the car. If you don't have one, a dressing gown belt or something like a yoga strap is just as good. 
  • Cars come in different shapes and sizes, and the height, whether it's too low or high, can cause problems. If a car is too high, using a step could help - but make sure it's on a flat surface and be mindful of weather conditions. If a car is low, park on a flat surface; don't park by a kerb as it will make the situation worse. Use the 'bottom-first' technique.

Choose a parking spot that makes access easier 

Here is some advice for when you're choosing a parking space:

  • First, check to see if your passenger is entitled to a blue badge so you can use disabled-only parking spaces.
  • Choose a space with enough room to fully open the door and make sure you (or your passenger) can safely get out and get any mobility aids out. 
  • Try to park on a level surface; that'll make it easier to get in and out. Avoid uneven surfaces, like grass, which can make it harder and potentially dangerous.
  • Think about kerbs! They can stop you from fully opening the door and make it harder to get in and out of low cars.

Prepare for long journeys

If you're going on a long journey, think about how you can break it down into more manageable chunks - both, for the driver and the passenger.

  • Plan breaks where you can have a rest and rehydrate. This is particularly important if you suffer from a health condition where you become tired. Driving when you're tired is very dangerous; it can seriously impact your driving abilities, from slowing your reaction times, to causing mistakes which could be deadly.

 

Toyota Mobility

This advice is from occupational therapists, including Natasha May Powell and Charan Chana from the Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust and the William Merritt Centre in Leeds.

Find out more about how occupational therapy can improve your life in many ways.

Who are occupational therapists?

Occupational therapists help people of all ages overcome challenges and completing everyday tasks or activities – what we call ‘occupations’.

Occupational therapy is a science-based, health and social care profession that’s regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. Occupational therapy helps you live your best life at home, at work, and everywhere else. It’s about being able to do the things you want and have to do. That could mean helping you overcome challenges learning at school, going to work, playing a sport, or simply doing the dishes. Everything is focused on your wellbeing and your ability to participate in activities.

Find out more about occupational therapy.

What are occupations?

An occupation is any activity that we need, want or like to do to live and to look after our physical and mental health, and our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We do occupations from the moment we're born, on our own or with others.

An occupation isn't just your job or activities of daily living. An occupation can be self-care, such as washing, eating or sleeping; productive, such as work, study, caring or domestic activities; and leisure, such as playing sports, hobbies or socialising.

We're all different and so are the occupations that matter to us. They vary depending on our environment, interests and values, talents and skills. Our occupations also change throughout our lives. 

Find out more about what occupations are.

Who are the RCOT?

We are the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. We’ve championed the profession of occupational therapy and the people behind it for over 90 years. More than 36,000 occupational therapists are members of our organisation. We’re here to help achieve life-changing breakthroughs for our members, for the people they support and for society as a whole through occupational therapy.

Why is the RCOT leading this campaign?

We have a vision, that people everywhere value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. One of the ways we can achieve this is by sharing occupational therapists’ advice more widely with the nation.

Do I still need to seek medical and health advice?

The advice given in the campaign doesn't replace the one-to-one medical and health advice you may receive direct from an occupational therapist, your GP or another healthcare professional.

Find out more about the support occupational therapists give to help people overcome challenges completing everyday tasks or activities.

Visit the Lift Up Your Everyday campaign for more expert advice from occupational therapists. 

Find out more