Getting out and about – and transferring into a car – can be extremely difficult for many older Australians, depending on their level of strength and flexibility.
It’s important for their loved ones and carers to be aware of correct techniques for transfers to ensure their safety.
According to Rik Dawson, the Managing Director of AgeWell Physiotherapy, a Sydney-based physiotherapy practice, which works with Oxley Home Care, it’s advisable to always place the elderly person in the front side passenger seat.
Rik’s tips for safe car transfers:
- Make sure the seat is as far back as possible, even semi-reclined.
- Back up to the car with your walker or walking aid (if you have had an operation or have a sore leg, put this out in front of you)
- Lower yourself slowly to the seat (you may need to roll the window down and use the car doorframe, along with the headrest, to support yourself as you sit)
- Scoot back into the seat, then swing your legs into the car (if swivelling is hard – you could try using a plastic bag)
- If the seat is low, recline the back slightly or put a pillow on the seat to sit on
Rik Dawson, is an experienced physiotherapist who has been working in Aged Care Physiotherapy since 1994 and is a highly respected expert in Gerontological Physiotherapy.
He is the Physiotherapy Representative for the National Aged Care Alliance (N.A.C.A), and Chair of the National Gerontological Special Interest Group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
For further information on avoiding trips and falls in the home, click here.
About Oxley Home Care
Oxley Home Care, established in 2006, is a family-owned and operated Sydney company and is an Approved Government Provider of aged care services, specialising in Dementia Care.
Oxley Home Care provides Dementia Care, Private Care, Home Care, Nursing and Allied Health to enable people to live a quality life independently in their own home and stay connected to their local community.
Oxley Home Care is an Approved Provider of Home Care Packages funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing and holds an allocation of Home Care Packages. These packages are designed to provide assistance to the elderly, to remain living independently at home.
To gain access to a Home Care Package, the government requires that you undergo a comprehensive assessment by your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). To arrange the assessment, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care web site
If you would like further information on Oxley Home Care, please feel free to call on 1300 993 591.