If you would like to book a tour or enquire about one of our homes, please click here

Getting a wheelchair in and out of a car

Need to get a wheelchair in and out of your car safely? This video shows you the easiest and safest way to lift and load a wheelchair, while protecting both yourself and your vehicle.

Tips to make the process easier

 

 

It is important to assess that you feel capable of lifting the chair in and out of the car

Consider things like…

    • back problems 
    • joint problems
    • cardiac issues 

Assess whether the car boot is big enough to hold the wheelchair and there is enough space around the vehicle of you to load and unload safely 

  • Laying a large bin bag or a sliding sheet can help the chair glide smoothly
  • Draping a towel over the edge of the car reduces the chance of scratches, allowing you to act with confidence

Getting the wheelchair into a car 

01
Completely remove the footplates, cushions and arm rests and place them to the side
02
Completely fold the chair including backrest for ease of fit
03
Hold the frame assuring you are not holding any moving parts like the seat or the backrest
04
Bend from the knees and push up from you legs to lift the chair straight into the car
05
Place any removeable parts into the boot alongside the wheelchair

Getting a wheelchair out of a car

01
Pull the covers away
02
Roll over onto your side, placing your opposite hand flat on the mattress
03
In one smooth motion, push yourself up with your hand while simultaneously bringing you legs down
04
Shuffle forward to the edge of the bed Be careful not to go too far as you could slip off
05
Slide your feet into your slippers
06
Do NOT bend down to do this as you could fall
07
Using a long shoe horn can help
08
If you use a walker, bring it closer to you
09
Place both hands on the mattress
10
Lean forward and push yourself up
11
Bring one hand at a time to the walking frame
12
Take a moment to make sure you are not dizzy before moving off

Meet our experts

Rosalind Gray

A compassionate and versatile Occupational Therapist and AHP Manager with over 30 years’ experience across the NHS, local authorities, private and charity sectors. I specialise in supporting adults with physical disabilities, dementia, rehabilitation needs, environmental adaptations, and palliative care. I’m committed to putting people at the centre of everything I do, delivering genuinely person-centred services and ensuring accessibility for all. I have a proven track record in interdisciplinary leadership, change management, innovation, creative problem-solving, service design, environmental adaptation, performance management, mentoring, customer service, and delivering outcomes that make a meaningful difference. In my spare time, I’m a passionate nature photographer!

Vanessa Marques

Vanessa graduated from London South Bank University in 2022 with a Postgraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy. She brings a wealth of experience having worked with both children and adults in the NHS and various charity organisations, which include settings specialised in learning disabilities and palliative care. Vanessa has worked within the Therapy Team at Nightingale Hammerson since 2022, supporting residents through personalised therapeutic interventions to enhance independence, well-being and improve quality of life. Vanessa enjoys enabling residents to engage and participate in their meaningful activities and tasks, as well as supporting the learning and development of team members within the organisation.

Was this useful? Please let us know

The resources available are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances.  The resources are for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. Full terms and conditions