How car access aids make seniors and people with disabilities mobile

Senior citizens and people with disabilities find it difficult to get into cars, especially higher-end models. If restrictions such as age, handicaps and muscular diseases are added, getting into the car becomes a real hurdle. To successfully counteract this problem, swivel seats and swivel seats for cars are available on the market. These make it easy to get in and out of the car by turning the seat 90 degrees beyond the door sill. Entry thus takes place directly from the street, so that the person concerned is spared the laborious task of climbing the threshold of the car. With a load capacity of up to 250 kg, these access aids are also robust and durable.

At first glance, a swivel seat can hardly be distinguished from a normal car seat. Only on closer inspection is an installed device recognizable. The seat is reclined, unlocked and then rotated outward by the aforementioned 90 degrees when exiting the vehicle. But the swivel seat and the swivel seat also help in the opposite direction - when getting into the car. It is much easier to get in and the person can sit comfortably - almost as if sitting on a normal chair. Models with a swiveling seat are also available. In this way, the backrest remains in place, but the seat surface rotates towards the door, allowing quick entry. Both work in the same way and can be selected at will.

This type of boarding aid is particularly suitable for the following groups of people:

• Persons in old age
• People with a handicap
• Persons with disabilities
• Persons with diseases such as arthrosis

The swivel seat itself can be used for almost any car model. It can be installed by your own hand or by a specialized company. A special swivel seat is ideally integrated into the existing vehicle by color matching and can be easily removed again when changing vehicles. Additional armrests also make it easier to get into the car and round off the vehicle for the disabled. When making your choice, take your personal needs into account and, at best, get comprehensive advice before buying. The swivel seat as an entry aid for the car is a particularly good solution for people with disabilities, mobility impairments or a comparable complaint.

The cost of such a seat varies: Depending on the model and whether the seat is manually or electrically operated, the price is about 1500 € to 3000 € including installation. Color and fabric also play an important role. Thus this method belongs to the more cost-intensive ones and requires a thorough consideration. Also possible cost transfers are to be considered by the pension insurance as well as the health insurance.

Wheelchair users, however, will have a hard time with the described normal variants of the boarding aid car for seniors. An accompanying person must additionally take hold here under the arms and set up the affected person. Fortunately, manufacturers have already made provisions for this case: so-called swivel lift seats for cars are available on the market as an ideal solution for wheelchair users. These are quickly and easily lowered a few centimeters in just a few steps, making it much easier for people in wheelchairs to get into the car. Anyone who is unsure whether the swivel seat is the right choice should test and check a few models before buying.

Conclusion on the swivel seat for the car:

• Can be removed without leaving any residues
• Suitable for a wide range of people
• Helps with getting in and out of the car
• Very robust and durable variant
• Only suitable for wheelchair users under certain conditions

For small modifications to your own car, the slide board is right up front. In the first place, this entry aid is suitable for wheelchair users or people with physical limitations. In order to bridge the gap between the wheelchair and the car seat, a sliding board is installed in the space between them. The sliding board acts as a kind of bridge to the actual car seat. This is extended as required and, depending on the model, is height-adjustable.

The wheelchair user moves to within a few centimeters of the sliding board and pulls himself out of the wheelchair directly onto the board. In the next step, he can pull himself onto the driver or passenger seat with little effort. If the boarding aid is then no longer needed, it can be folded in manually or electrically in just a few steps. This means that you can travel comfortably in road traffic and when steering the car. The wheelchair is loaded into the vehicle either by an attendant or by aids installed for this purpose. Thus the car is not only handicapped accessible, but for affected persons with a maximum of comfort usable.

The surface finish can be chosen freely and in different materials:

• Sliding board made of leather#
• Fabric cover
• Chrome-plated sliding board
• Powder coated sliding board

The material here is crucial for good functionality. Thus, a sliding board made of a rough cover is less suitable than a smooth one on which the person slides more easily. Only with a smooth surface is easy handling guaranteed. But even with such an apparently small aid for getting into the car, there are differences that need to be considered: the different designs.

On the one hand, there is the permanently installed boarding aid, which remains in the car at all times and is folded in each time. On the other hand, there is the clip-on version, which is only used when it is really needed. Both variants are attached under the seat or to the seat rail or to another suitable location.

The costs of such an installation are comparatively low. Installation is much easier than with a swivel seat, for example, but it can also be removed without leaving any residues. The costs including installation amount to approximately 100 € upward.

In particular, people who suffer from paraplegia or are dependent on such an aid due to a muscle disease receive a great deal of support with this method. The entry aid for the car can be installed on the driver's side as well as on the passenger's side and thus offers the greatest flexibility. An attendant or other aids are often unnecessary.

Conclusion about the slide board:

• Can be removed without residue
• Quick and inexpensive to install
• Particularly suitable for people with paralysis or muscle diseases
• Manual or electric version
• Permanently installed or attachable models

This initially very inconspicuous and minimalist-looking boarding aid turns out to be a successful addition when a light support is needed when getting into the car. The swivel cushion looks like an ordinary seat cushion, which finds its application on long car trips. The only, but important difference is that the swivel cushion is placed on a specially designed device, which can be fully rotated when getting in and out of the car. Initially, the entry into the car is done in the usual way. At the latest when the legs come into play and have to be moved into the footwell, the swivel cushion becomes noticeable. It automatically rotates the body into the right position and protects the joints and back.

But even with this variant, there are some basic requirements to be observed. Depending on the car model and vehicle seat, the swivel cushion is sometimes more and sometimes less suitable. In particular, seats that have a deep indentation in the center are not the best prerequisite for the entry aid. A surface that is as uniform and smooth as possible lays the foundation for comfort with this cost-effective method. Exactly this uniform surface, however, can be added subsequently by some auxiliary means. A stable wedge cushion as a base for the swivel cushion provides a quick remedy here and offers a better fit - from an orthopedic point of view. The wedge cushion thus creates an ideal subfloor for the aid for boarding.

Who is the swivel cushion suitable for?

The swivel cushion is suitable for any person looking for a car boarding aid, such as:

• People with back problems
• People with hip or joint problems
• Seniors who need assistance

However, people who appear to be physically fit also save their backs in the long term with this method. Thus, the swivel cushion is often used as a preventive measure.

The cost of such an aid for getting into the car is sometimes only a few euros. From about 10 € to 15 €, the swivel cushions can be purchased and are therefore quite affordable. Who would like to fall back only on a small support, is with this method on the safe side.

Conclusion - The swivel cushion as a cost-effective option:

• Light support when getting in and out of the bed
• Cost-effective method
• Particularly gentle on the back and joints
• No fixed installation necessary - can be taken along if required
• Suitable only to a limited extent for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for every car seat

This aid for entering the car is mostly known from large motor homes or minibuses: To bridge the large distance to the caravan, a so-called "step" is used.

But this is not the only application. The step provides significant support for older people and those with a walking disability when entering the caravan. This is not only extremely inconspicuous, but also helps in a simple way in everyday life. The step itself is installed in just a few steps. It can be installed in or under the car. When the vehicle is changed, the step is removed and installed in the next vehicle if required. Depending on the type of vehicle, this method is a sensible alternative. Vans or larger vehicle models are particularly suitable for the installation of such a step.

To minimize the risk of slipping many times over, even in bad weather conditions, most steps are equipped with an anti-slip surface. A grid also provides additional grip. The cost of such a purchase is quite variable and starts in the lower 3-digit range. However, depending on the texture, size and operation, the price increases significantly. Likewise, models are designed for different load levels. Accordingly, pay attention to the desired degree of robustness when looking for a suitable model.

Here's what you should look for:

• Non-slip texture
• Step made of grids
• Select the length of the step according to the type of vehicle

Manual step

As with other products, the manual version is slightly cheaper than the electric one. This can be retracted and extended by a pedal and thus serves as a perfect entry aid for the car. The installation takes place, as already noted above, in or under the car. However, a permanently mounted version is also possible.

Electric step

In contrast to the manual step, the electric step often extends all by itself when the sliding door is opened. Models that are operated by a switch are also available.

They are usually installed under the vehicle. Double steps are quite popular. These offer not just one, but two steps, which thus form a staircase. Especially for higher cars, the second variant is a good choice. However, the double variant is somewhat more costly than the normal option.

Conclusion on the step:

• Electric and manual variants available
• Double step/stair possible
• Quick installation
• Step can be used on different vehicles

No two people are alike. It seems that manufacturers have taken this motto to heart. The market for transfer aids offers many different designs, so you can take a variety of individual factors into account when making your selection. Above all, 2 types have proven themselves and enjoy great popularity: folding boards and mobile transfer aids.

Quickly assembled and extremely robust - the folding board

When the car seat feels like it's pulling you backwards, getting up becomes a real test. The folding board provides a quick remedy and, with its robust design, quickly puts a smile back on the face of those affected.
The resistant appearance comes about because the folding board is firmly installed on the B-pillar of the car. Most models can handle loads of up to 100 kg without any problems. There are also numerous versions on the market for heavier persons.
The padded folding board is placed to the left of the actual driver's seat, making it perfect for use as an entry and exit aid. The folding board can be folded in and out as required. So when it's not in use, it disappears from sight in no time with little effort.
Since the gap between the car seat and the outside area/wheelchair is often an insurmountable hurdle for seniors, this obstacle can be removed efficiently and quickly with the help of the folding board. "Bridging" is thus to be taken literally in this case.
The upgrade of the folding board comes with an electronic height adjustment. Especially when you want to change from a sitting position inside the car to a standing position outside the car, this design is highly recommended. A slow and gentle straightening is guaranteed at this point. This upgrade is also often used when equipping cars for the disabled.

The normal folding board is particularly suitable if you have...

• ...has general problems with mobility.
• ...is dependent on a wheelchair and wants to reach it from the car without complications.

The electronic folding board is especially suitable if you...

• ...has problems getting up and needs a gentle help to stand up.
• ...has a wheelchair that is higher than the driver's seat of the car and wants to reach it without effort.

Flexibility meets maximum strength - The mobile transfer and raising aid

Mobile transfer aids, which are also called raising aids, are not only used in cars. They can also be found in many care facilities, where their numerous positive features are also very useful.
The mobile lifting aid is extremely compact and at the same time comes along with an incredible lightness. The smart transfer support has a telescopic rod look and features a handle in the upper area.
It is adjustable in height and thus allows one to individually respond to the size of a person. Many scenarios can be handled in everyday life thanks to the height adjustment option. Leg/knee supports again clearly emphasize the character of a back-friendly and safe upright position. The foot plate of the transfer aid is cast in aluminum on most models, so you can be sure of its stability. No matter what the floor condition is - you can rely on the secure footing.
Since getting up often turns out to be difficult and sometimes dangerous for elderly people, the mobile transfer aid for seniors is a worthwhile investment. The high ergonomic values help noticeably in daily use.
Compared to many other car access aids, the mobile turnover aid is a very worthwhile purchase cost-wise. The pricing immediately signals that anyone who depends on this useful everyday helper can afford it. Good and durable models are already available on the market for 200 to 300 euros. Of course, there are no upper limits at this point. High-priced models over 1000 euros are also available. However, the cheaper models are usually sufficient. They give excellent posture scores in all situations. You can always be sure of getting in and out without complications.

The mobile transfer aid is particularly suitable if you...

• ...still have sufficient strength in their arms, but only need support when standing up.
• ...is not dependent on a wheelchair and can continue walking independently after getting out of the car.

Particularly wheelchair users in need of assistance know only too well how difficult it is to get in and out of a car without help.
The car lift is another interesting device that makes everyday life noticeably easier. Small and handy, the lift can be easily stowed away and taken anywhere, so that full flexibility is given here. Above all, the fact that the scope of services does not end at the car door makes this clever electronic helper so popular. Thus, the passenger lift is an investment with a broad outlook.

Uncomplicated use

In particular, the use of the passenger lift is considered to be especially user-friendly. That is why this aid is more often a part of vehicles for the disabled.
With just a few practiced steps, everything is ready to begin the entry or exit process:

1. The metal lift device is first attached to the permanently installed bracket in the car. This is usually located directly behind the door sill, in the immediate vicinity of the car seat.
2. To ensure a power supply, the corresponding cable must then be plugged into the power socket, which is also permanently installed.
3. In most models, two additional "joints" are then attached to the metal lifting device. These are essential for good mobility of the device.

The actual securing of the wheelchair user then begins:

1. Place sling around the back area of the wheelchair user.
2. Take lower sling ends and place them around the wheelchair user's thighs
3. Stabilize the attachments on the lifting eye hooks

Within a very short time, these easy-to-implement steps make it possible to safely enter the car. The time-saving features significantly enhance everyday life in the event of a mobility impairment.

Pain-free lifting guaranteed

Repositioning on the car seat is pleasant for the person in need of assistance: streaks, pain and pressure marks are a thing of the past, as the technology is of the most precise and sophisticated nature.
The lift process starts with the aid of a remote control once the safety lock has been completed. When the lift is in the upright position, the person in need of assistance can then be moved toward the car seat without complications. Once the position above the car seat is reached, the person can be carefully and precisely lowered again with the help of the remote control.

Strong and versatile

A passenger lift knows how to convince above all by its radiance. Most models effortlessly allow the device to carry people up to 110 kg body weight to the car seat. Some versions give even higher carrying capacity.
As an additional plus, the popular passenger lift models can be easily fixed even in smaller cars. Thus, such an advantageous lift device can be used even in doorways with very narrow or narrow dimensions.

Swing doors - alternatively called sliding doors - are comfortable helpers for a complication-free entry and exit into the car. If one's own movements are impaired and a normal door opening becomes an almost insurmountable event, the swing door reliably provides a remedy and thus preserves the quality of life of the persons concerned. Likewise, the swing door increases accessibility to the interior of the car, resulting in quick as well as easy loading and unloading as advantages.
Many different manufacturers have specialized in retrofitting and accordingly deliver an extensive portfolio of services. This contributes to an ideal adaptation of the swing door to one's own car, which eliminates the costly purchase of a new car.

Full functionality, despite conversion

Despite the conversion, the full functionality of the car is retained. Because handicapped and senior-friendly swing doors are characterized by a very sophisticated and advantageous technology: For example, the central locking system can still be operated. Furthermore, the number of seats is usually not reduced by such a retrofit. The door can also still be opened and closed in the usual way. In terms of side impact protection and window lifts, everything also remains the same as in the standard model. The door lock can also still be opened and closed with the original car key on most models.

Safe and powerful design

The electronic components that make the hovering magic of the new desirable door possible in the first place are designed to be visually passive. The subsequently added innovations are usually not visible at first glance. A very compact design ensures the inconspicuous appearance. The models from the leading manufacturers also come up trumps in terms of safety: A pinch protection for prevention guards against injuries.
Furthermore, it stands out that numerous models can be pulled shut particularly easily. This low, but completely sufficient force application, the components as well as the own strength are clearly spared. This in turn results in a longer service life of the retrofitted swing door system for the car.

The swing door or sliding door for the car is particularly suitable if you...

• ...are dependent on assistance due to a mobility restriction.
• ...is a wheelchair user and wants to use a system that allows easy loading of the wheelchair.
• ...has limited strength but still wants a reliable and powerful opening and closing system.

If the adjustment range of a driver's or passenger seat is limited, the use of a seat rail extension adds precious centimeters. Where previously the seat could only be adjusted by a few centimeters, after retrofitting with a seat rail extension it can in some cases be moved far into the interior of the car. Especially when one's own body movements are restricted, such a gain in space is a noticeable and very pleasant relief. For this reason, this type of car retrofit is very popular, especially for tall people.
The seat can be repositioned both manually and electrically, with the latter option being much more popular for people with limited mobility.

The seat rail extension is particularly suitable if you...

• ...has mobility problems and is dependent on an individual sitting posture.
• ...feels cramped due to his or her height and needs more legroom inside the car.
• ...requires the assistance of caregivers and would like to provide them with better access to the seating area.

Professional installation necessary

In most cases, the market for seat rail extensions is structured in such a way that end customers cannot order them themselves. At the very least, reputable suppliers reject such offers, since it is not possible to address safety-relevant points in a professional manner if the customer installs them himself.
Various important points must be considered when installing a seat rail extension. If these are neglected or if the modification is not carried out professionally, major safety gaps can arise in the worst case.

Legal basis

Also the legal bases prescribe a perfect and above all correct shoring of such a seat rail extension. For example, the construction must meet the TÜV requirements down to the smallest detail. In addition, the position of the seat belt after the installation of the seat rail extension must continue to allow proper securing of the person. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, adequate safety of the car occupants would be uncertain. It is equally important that the distance to the airbag is perfectly matched, otherwise it will no longer have a protective effect in an emergency.
To ensure that the numerous regulations and legal requirements are met one hundred percent, it is imperative to seek the advice of an absolute professional. Often, various individual factors are involved during the modification measures, so that only an experienced specialist is able to implement these individual moves in compliance with the law.

Costs of the retrofit measure

Retrofit costs vary from case to case. As a rough guide, it can be stated that in most cases an amount between 500 and 1500 euros is due. The costs of such a conversion venture, however, are made up of the following components:

• TÜV costs
• Material costs
• Assembly costs

Mobile handholds for cars are often underestimated due to their very simple design. But the light and small helpers are ready for use in just a few seconds and work wonders. Seniors and people with limited mobility in particular gladly and gratefully accept the help of the little powerhouse.

When getting in and out proves complicated

At an advanced age, the first problems with getting in and out of the car while driving are usually not long in coming. The strength that one was able to muster without any problems when getting into or out of the car in one's younger years is now lacking. When various mobility restrictions are added due to illness, driving a car becomes a demanding test.
This is exactly where the small but smart grab rails for cars come into play. Within seconds, the support device is attached directly to the door frame. From the driver's point of view, the additional support surface allows the driver to exit the car within a few seconds.
Users also benefit from the resistant grab handle when entering the vehicle. Also viewed from the driver's side, users can now optimally hold on with their left hand during boarding and slowly slide into the car. The grab handle of the side door is usually too far away from the seat when open, so that one would look in vain for support here. This gap is perfectly closed by the use of a grab handle.
Full flexibility is almost guaranteed, as the grab handle can be fitted to almost any car model. In percentage terms, compatibility is estimated at around 99.5 percent.

Loop grab handles also available on the market

Loop grab bars are reminiscent of grab bars used in hospitals. Placed above the hospital bed, they help patients lying there in bed to get up quickly. This principle is also applied to cars. When getting in and out of the car, you can be sure of receiving additional support at this point.
Compared with the previously described grab handle for the door frame, there are differences only in the visual design and placement. The loop grab handle is attached directly to the side door; more precisely, between the side door frame and the gap of the open window.

The grab rail or loop grab rail for the car is particularly suitable if you...

• ...are not dependent on a wheelchair and only require an additional support and holding surface when getting in and out of the car.
• ...has mobility restrictions, but has enough strength in the arms to use it.
• ...is looking for additional support to existing boarding aids, such as swivel seats and swivel cushions.

Who covers the cost of such a boarding aid?

Many of the entry aids fall into the four-digit range and are therefore associated with high costs. A purchase must therefore often be well considered. But what if it is necessary in any case? Are the costs covered by public institutions?

The assumption of costs of such a conversion is linked to a variety of conditions:

• Is the car needed to perform the job?
• Are there alternatives?
• What kind of car is it?
• Which institution is responsible for covering the costs?
• Why is it needed?

Taking these aspects into consideration, a decision is made. Ultimately, however, it is always a case-by-case decision and must therefore be thoroughly examined. Depending on the initial situation, cost assistance can be obtained from the employment agency or, in the case of older persons, from the pension fund. A corresponding application must be made before the installation. In view of the potential savings of up to 60%, the chances of being accepted are worth a try.

In the meantime, there are a large number of companies in Germany that specialize in installation or vehicle conversion for the disabled. These companies also represent a good point of contact for questions.

There are many different tools on the market. When deciding on one of these aids, it is always important to adapt the purchase to personal circumstances. Light support, such as that of the swivel cushion, is not equally suitable for all groups of people. This method is exclusively as a small helper in everyday life accordingly unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Ideally, the selection is always made with a view to benefits, costs and installation. Who does not want to consult a specialized enterprise for the installation, which pays attention at best to a simple assembly for at home - naturally only if the law permits this also. Information on this must be obtained before the conversion.

Major modifications in and on the car should be carried out by a workshop specially designated for this purpose. This is the only way to guarantee durability and a robust and safe installation. Firm anchoring and a good fit are indispensable when it comes to safety in road traffic. No matter which boarding aid you choose: Getting into the car and maintaining mobility are still realistic, even in old age, with joint problems or other handicaps. Access aids make an important contribution to this and maintain the independence of the persons concerned.