Buying a vehicle for a senior

[FigmentSpark]

My mom is very independent, but she uses a walker for stability. She has no trouble driving, but sometimes struggles getting her walker in and out of the car. Since she's in the market for a new car, we are trying to think if there's a vehicle that's better suited to help her store her walker. Right now, it's in and out of a trunk, which is a lot of bending and reaching (her upper body strength is not what it used to be).

Any advice on a type or make/model that might be good for her? She has a Honda right now.

 

[kanerf]

Why not get a four door and store the walker in the back seat? I would look for something that is fairly low to the ground to make it easier to get in and out.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

My Mom had a Honda CRV. Easy to open the back to put the walker. Not too high or too low for her to get in and out of the car. Easy to drive and manage.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

My Mom had a Honda CRV. Easy to open the back to put the walker. Not too high or too low for her to get in and out of the car. Easy to drive and manage.

i second this. Plus it sits higher so easier to get in and out of an see over traffic.

 

[FigmentSpark]

i second this. Plus it sits higher so easier to get in and out of an see over traffic.

good point about seeing over traffic and about not having to bend down too far.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I would look for something that is fairly low to the ground to make it easier to get in and out.

Actually, for older people, especially those with hip or leg issues, getting UP out of a low sitting car can be a problem.

 

[jo-jo]

How heavy is her walker? When we were looking at rollators, one was steel and one aluminum. Aluminum was about 10% lighter.

 

[Seahorse17]

Actually, for older people, especially those with hip or leg issues, getting UP out of a low sitting car can be a problem.

I agree. I also have a problem with low seating.

 

[TCRAIG]

I have a Honda CRV - my 94 yr old dad can get in and out of it much easier than my husband’s Sedan - and the back opens and closes easily

 

[NannyBeBe]

As a senior myself, I would also look at safety features. My daughter has a Hyundai Tucson and the safety features are amazing.

 

[tvguy]

I agree. I also have a problem with low seating.

Yes, that has been my experience with seniors, most cars are too low. I would test "sit" a few. Never ridden in a Honda CRV so not sure how high or low they are.

 

[Judique]

Actually, for older people, especially those with hip or leg issues, getting UP out of a low sitting car can be a problem.

I agree. I also have a problem with low seating.

My knees just don't work as well as they once did. I am older and don't have a problem getting out of the driver's seat of my car. But, sitting on the front passenger side I have to help myself out by using the handle above me.

Also, low beach chairs! Love the beach but have to now bring a regular height folding chair. Otherwise I need help getting up, or I have to roll out and struggle to get up.

 

[bcla]

How high the base of the trunk is would be an issue. A lot of SUVs might be a little high although a lot of compact SUVs have lower trunk bases. The boxy cars like a Kia Soul (or discontinued similar vehicles) might be ideal.

I know there's the stereotype of older drivers liking large American cars. But honestly I think the shift to smaller cars that are easier to drive and park has been good for senior drivers.

 

[FigmentSpark]

How heavy is her walker? When we were looking at rollators, one was steel and one aluminum. Aluminum was about 10% lighter.

She bought the lightest walker she could find, even though it was cheaper. But there's still weight to it. It's a fold in the center one with a mesh basket. Does the trick.

How high the base of the trunk is would be an issue. A lot of SUVs might be a little high although a lot of compact SUVs have lower trunk bases. The boxy cars like a Kia Soul (or discontinued similar vehicles) might be ideal.

That's the trade-off. Easier to get in and out of a higher vehicle, but if it's higher to lift the walker, it will be harder, too.

I would have liked to see her in a mini van, but so many of them are the long 200+ inch vehicles and she just doesn't need that length. It's only her.

 

[bcla]

She bought the lightest walker she could find, even though it was cheaper. But there's still weight to it. It's a fold in the center one with a mesh basket. Does the trick.



That's the trade-off. Easier to get in and out of a higher vehicle, but if it's higher to lift the walker, it will be harder, too.

I would have liked to see her in a mini van, but so many of them are the long 200+ inch vehicles and she just doesn't need that length. It's only her.

A lot of these boxy vehicles have a higher riding position with a lower trunk base. I was thinking that a Honda Element might be ideal if you're thinking of maybe a used vehicle. It had a slightly higher seating position while maintaining a lower trunk.

Another thing to consider is maybe something with a motorized trunk lid. Opening and closing the trunk can be an issue with some seniors.

 

[tvguy]

I know there's the stereotype of older drivers liking large American cars. But honestly I think the shift to smaller cars that are easier to drive and park has been good for senior drivers.

Small doesn't mean low. My Ford Focus was the perfect height to get in and out, my Taurus was lower and harder to get in and out and it was much larger.

 

[Immadismom]

What about a smaller crossover, like the Honda HR-V? Sits higher, but not too high. And appears that the back hatch would be lower than the CR-V (I haven’t confirmed this, but know two people who have the HR-V and like it due to being smaller than the CR-V).

 

[kymom99]

A lot of these boxy vehicles have a higher riding position with a lower trunk base. I was thinking that a Honda Element might be ideal if you're thinking of maybe a used vehicle. It had a slightly higher seating position while maintaining a lower trunk.

Another thing to consider is maybe something with a motorized trunk lid. Opening and closing the trunk can be an issue with some seniors.

I was going to say this. My husbands rogue has an automatic lift back. You can activate it by holding your foot under the bumper. There is a button to close it so you don’t have to pull down on it either.

 

[smokeyblue]

Subaru Forrester would be a great choice.

 

[jdb in AZ]

What is your mom accustomed to driving? a friend's elderly father bought a new car but wrecked it because his reflexes weren't quick enough to adapt to the new car. (Who's to say he wouldn't have wrecked the same car he was used to?) If you buy your mom something new and different, make sure she is able to familiarize herself with it.

FWIW I drive a CRV and DH has an Accord -- both Hondas, but there's definitely a "learning curve" when I switch cars.