Getting in and out of the car

Primary progressive MS
1

I’m okay getting into the car, but getting out is more problematic. I’ve got a handle to push up from one side but that’s not enough now, and I’ve had a few falls. Is there anything to help other than a hoist, too expensive and cumbersome, or transfer board which might help?

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Hi Flowerpot
2023, congratulations I’d almost given up hope for this board!
I will be very interested in any useful posts because I have the same problems.
Take care and be safe. M x

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What sort of car do you have? Before you look at grab handles and hoists, make sure it’s a “friendly” car.

A nice deep door aperture for starters. An SUV may have a high floor which is difficult to swing your legs up to. Or you might bang your head on the roof of a low slung saloon. Nice long doors make entry easy, particularly if the aperture at foot level is not too short. With my gammy left leg, it’s easier to get in on driver’s side by throwing the weak leg in first and lifting the good leg in second.

I have an S-max MPV, so the floor is as low as a saloon’s yet the roof is nearly as high as an SUV, so the overall door aperture is really deep. Nice long doors too. MPV’s are unfashionable these days - everyone seems to want a SUV - but I won’t part with mine.

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Hello! Happy New Year. xx

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I’ve decided to buy a new wheelchair with arm rests that lift out of the way so that I can (hopefully!) use a transfer board. I’ve bought the transfer board and ordered the wheelchair, fingers crossed. Hope you’re doing okay. Xx

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Thank you for that, on the EDSS I am now a 7. Had to use my call button on Thursday, 35 mins!

Take care be safe, love M xx

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Hi I have a wheelchair with flip-up arms to transfer into car. I also use a long wooden transfer board which has a slippery surface. Wouldn’t be without it. I also grab hold of the outside of the car door roof when I duck down to access the car. What a Phaff!!

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Thank you for your VERY useful information, this may well fit my needs. I have been looking for a new vehicle, SUV don’t work for me. M

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9

I’d research roof mounted wheelchair storage, saw someone with this. It looked very easy, key clicks took the hoist down before his seat collapsed and was tucked away up on his roof.

AFOdriver

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Thank you very much for your suggestion, information is power.
Take care, M

11

Things like this are possible if you research :+1:t3:

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