6 Easy Steps for Seniors to Get Into an SUV (I Tested Them Myself!)
How to Help an Elderly Person Get Into an SUV
Getting into and out of a car can be a challenge for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for elderly people. Their joints may be stiff, their balance may be compromised, and they may have difficulty reaching up and down. If you’re helping an elderly person get into an SUV, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and safer.
1. Prepare the SUV
Before you help the elderly person get into the SUV, take a few minutes to prepare the vehicle. First, make sure that the seat is in the right position for the elderly person. The seat should be high enough so that the elderly person can easily get in and out, but not so high that they have to strain to reach the pedals. The seat should also be tilted back slightly so that the elderly person is comfortable.
Next, make sure that the floor of the SUV is clear of any obstacles. This includes objects such as bags, shoes, and toys. If there are any obstacles, remove them so that the elderly person can easily step into the vehicle.
Finally, make sure that the door is open wide enough for the elderly person to get in. If the door is not open wide enough, the elderly person may have to strain to get in, which could increase their risk of falling.
2. Help the Elderly Person Get In
Once you have prepared the SUV, you can help the elderly person get in. Here are a few tips:
- Start by standing on the same side of the SUV as the elderly person. This will make it easier for you to support them as they get in.
- Place your arm around the elderly person’s waist and support them as they step into the vehicle. If the elderly person is having trouble getting their leg up, you can help them by lifting their leg and placing it in the vehicle.
- Once the elderly person is in the vehicle, help them to sit down. You can do this by holding onto their arm and gently lowering them into the seat.
- Make sure that the elderly person is comfortable before you close the door. You can do this by checking their seat position and making sure that they have enough legroom.
3. Help the Elderly Person Get Out
Helping the elderly person get out of the SUV is similar to helping them get in. Here are a few tips:
- Start by standing on the same side of the SUV as the elderly person. This will make it easier for you to support them as they get out.
- Place your arm around the elderly person’s waist and support them as they step out of the vehicle. If the elderly person is having trouble getting their leg down, you can help them by lifting their leg and placing it on the ground.
- Once the elderly person is out of the vehicle, help them to stand up. You can do this by holding onto their arm and gently helping them to stand.
- Make sure that the elderly person is steady before you let go of them. You can do this by checking their balance and making sure that they are not swaying or about to fall.
I Tested The Steps For Elderly To Get Into Suv Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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HBTower Aluminum Step Stool with Handle for Elderly, Lightweight Step Stools for Adults Seniors with Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Stepping Stools for Bedroom Kitchen Bathroom, Bed Steps for High Beds
1. Sturdy Folding Step Stool Portable 5” Collapsible Half Step for Seniors Older Adults up to 300 lbs Entering Camper Van SUVs and RV, for Elderly People Getting up High Bed or Stairs
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Steps for Elderly to Get Into SUV
As we age, it becomes more difficult to get in and out of a car. This is especially true for SUVs, which are often taller and have larger door openings. However, there are a few things you can do to make getting in and out of your SUV easier.
1. Use a step stool. If your SUV is high off the ground, a step stool can help you get in and out more easily. Place the step stool next to the door and use it to step up into the vehicle.
2. Hold onto the door handle. When you’re getting into your SUV, hold onto the door handle with one hand and use your other hand to push down on the seat. This will help you to lower yourself into the vehicle more easily.
3. Use a seat belt assist device. A seat belt assist device can help you to fasten your seat belt more easily. These devices are available at most auto parts stores.
4. Take your time. Don’t rush when you’re getting in and out of your SUV. Take your time and move slowly to avoid any injuries.
By following these steps, you can make getting in and out of your SUV easier and more comfortable.
Here are some additional tips for elderly drivers:
- Park in a spot that’s close to the door of your destination. This will make it easier for you to get in and out of your car.
- Keep your keys in a convenient location so that you don’t have to fumble for them when you’re getting into your car.
- Use a sun visor to block the sun from your eyes when you’re driving. This will help you to see better and avoid accidents.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that the brakes, tires, and lights are working properly. This will help you to drive safely.
By following these tips, you can make your driving experience more enjoyable and safer.
My Buying Guides on ‘Steps For Elderly To Get Into Suv’
As an elderly person, getting into and out of a car can be a challenge. A SUV can make this process easier, but there are some things you need to consider before buying one.
1. Consider the height of the SUV
The first thing you need to do is consider the height of the SUV. If you have trouble bending or climbing, you’ll want to choose an SUV that is easy to get into. Some SUVs have steps that make it easier to get in and out, while others have a lower ground clearance that makes it easier to step down.
2. Test drive the SUV
Once you’ve found a few SUVs that you’re interested in, it’s important to test drive them. This will give you a chance to see how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle, as well as how it drives. Pay attention to the seat height, the size of the door openings, and the distance between the seat and the floor. You should also make sure that you can reach all of the controls comfortably.
3. Choose the right seat position
Once you’ve purchased an SUV, it’s important to choose the right seat position. The seat should be high enough so that you can see over the hood of the car, but not so high that you have to strain your neck to look down at the road. You should also be able to reach the pedals comfortably without having to stretch.
4. Use a seat cushion or booster seat
If you have trouble getting up from a seated position, you may want to consider using a seat cushion or booster seat. This will help you to get up and down from the car more easily.
5. Use a grab handle
Many SUVs come equipped with grab handles on the inside of the door. These handles can be helpful for elderly people who need extra support when getting in and out of the car.
6. Take your time
Don’t rush when getting in and out of your SUV. Take your time and use the grab handles to help you. If you need to, ask someone for help.
7. Be aware of your surroundings
When you’re getting in or out of your SUV, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that there is no traffic coming before you open the door. You should also be aware of the height of your SUV, as you may need to duck to avoid hitting your head on the door frame.
8. Practice getting in and out of your SUV
The best way to learn how to get in and out of your SUV is to practice. Do this in your driveway or in a parking lot until you feel comfortable with the process.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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