Buying a vehicle for a senior

[FigmentSpark]

A ramp or a hoist? Aren't we talking about one of these?

Similar to this style. They fold up in the middle (pull up on the red handle), so they are pretty versatile and don't take up a lot of room.

 

[sam_gordon]

Similar to this style. They fold up in the middle (pull up on the red handle), so they are pretty versatile and don't take up a lot of room.

View attachment 634809

I've seen some with seats, but not like that. Either way, a ramp or hoist seems overkill.

 

[LuvOrlando]

A ramp or a hoist? Aren't we talking about one of these?

My grandmother had one that would fold up to be moved, not sure if this one folds. Still, if you slide the one you show up or down trom the rounded front it could be controlled on a ramp, it's what I would do, I have to be inventive. Better yet would be some kind of pulley system , I wish I had one for getting things like bottled water out of the trunk and onto a dolly or something. As it is I can get things like a case of water or something like a vacuum at curbside but then either need to wait for someone to take it in for me or bring in the water one by one. Being self sufficient is preferred.

 

[bcla]

Maybe one of these? It kind of takes care of the issue with the trunk. But then it creates a completely new problem if the trunk is actually needed. Then there's the issue of what happens if it rains although I suppose one can secure a cover.

 

[kymom99]

LOL, a Skylark was a midsized car. My mom had a LeSabre, that was huge. And the Electra, THAT was a tank.

Yep my dad had an Electra. I sometimes drove them places in it. The hood went on for days

 

[sam_gordon]

My grandmother had one that would fold up to be moved, not sure if this one folds. Still, if you slide the one you show up or down trom the rounded front it could be controlled on a ramp, it's what I would do, I have to be inventive. Better yet would be some kind of pulley system , I wish I had one for getting things like bottled water out of the trunk and onto a dolly or something. As it is I can get things like a case of water or something like a vacuum at curbside but then either need to wait for someone to take it in for me or bring in the water one by one. Being self sufficient is preferred.

Yes, what I posted could be folded, but not required. I'm picturing a four door vehicle, you fold the walker, put it behind the driver's seat in the floor board.

IMO, a ramp would weigh just as much (if not more) than what I've posted. Looks like they weigh less than 10#. Bottled water is ~1#/16 oz bottle. So even a 12 pack would weigh more than the walker.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

When my mom had her total knee replacements she had trouble getting in and out of vehicles.

My 2002 Ford Escort ZX2 was too low to the ground. We practiced before she had her surgery to make sure. The car that used to belong to my grandmother before all her kids determined her driving days were over and now belongs to my mom is a 2009 Chevy Malibu and that height worked well for my mom though she in the passenger seat still needed to use the handle to sorta hoist herself up. I drove the Malibu for a couple of weeks taking my mom to appointments and PT. We put her walker in the trunk and it fit fine. My mom didn't have an issue getting it in and out of the trunk per se but I can understand how a sedan leaning down rather than an suv where bending down isn't done as much might be easier. Difference with sedan and suv to me at least would be getting up and down. Too low and too high both become a problem.

Any dealerships out there OP for you to look at to maybe get an idea on height issues? That may help narrow down some choices if you can look at cars and determine at least which type of vehicle seems to be best suited. You could even bring the walker too for testing. I know a lot of car dealerships are still dealing with shortages though on cars available but you can certainly try.

 

[MillauFr]

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

Agreed. I would think small SUVs that don't sit up too high are much easier for people with mobility issues. Most sedans sit too low and make it very difficult to get up and out.

 

[snappy]

My 91 year old mom gets in and out of our Subaru Outback much easier than our Accord or my sister’s Sienna van. I had her get in and out of it before I bought it about 2 years ago. It also has very good visibility for the driver (I am a senior too) along with the safety stuff like Eyesight cameras and sensors.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Maybe one of these? It kind of takes care of the issue with the trunk. But then it creates a completely new problem if the trunk is actually needed. Then there's the issue of what happens if it rains although I suppose one can secure a cover.

Two problems with that.... it'd be a mess from the snow, salt and sand they throw around every winter. And you couldn't see the licence plate, which I think might be a problem in some places. It's a great idea, otherwise.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Any dealerships out there OP for you to look at to maybe get an idea on height issues? That may help narrow down some choices if you can look at cars and determine at least which type of vehicle seems to be best suited. You could even bring the walker too for testing. I know a lot of car dealerships are still dealing with shortages though on cars available but you can certainly try.

Yes, I hadn't thought about the shortages... I've heard the dealerships are actually buying up the rental cars, which is why there's a shortage of rental cars available, too.

 

[2China2009]

Honda CR-V!

 

[Snowysmom]

I also like the Subaru Outback. It is easy to get into and I like the back up camera and the warming beep when you are in reverse and someone is coming behind you. I could be just considered a senior based on age but I am just saying I am getting a bit older. Let's leave it at that.

 

[cvjw]

The Subaru forester is higher off the ground than the Subaru outback - makes getting in and out of the car much easier for seniors with mobility issues.

 

[maxaroni]

What I suggest is to find several vehicles that you may be interested in and get in and out of them, try getting the walker in and out, etc. When my parents were looking for a new vehicle, my dad wanted the Ford Edge and took my mom to see it. She had had quite a few strokes by that point and had trouble getting into the Edge. He then looked at the Subaru Outback and that was better for her. Try and think “down the road” as your mom ages and if any difficulty with the vehicle now, it won’t get any better.

At the time, I didn’t realize there was much of a difference in the Edge and Outback, as we had an Edge and we were fine. However, as my knees are needing replacing and the arthritis is getting a bit worse, I can see a difference. The Edge is just a tiny bit higher to lift the leg to get in. To me, it’s all going to be an individual preference, as well as individual needs.

BTW, the Subaru eyesight is awesome.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Mmm... all true points. Its the little things like those few inches that could make the difference between comfortable and painful to continue to be independent.

I never considered Subaru, but we'll have to take a look and see how it compares to Honda. I'll look at the Outback, too.

 

[goofysbigboy]

Subaru Forrester, made for this !

 

[_19disnA]

What I suggest is to find several vehicles that you may be interested in and get in and out of them, try getting the walker in and out, etc.

I agree, many companies make smaller SUV's that allow you to easily store things in the back and have a lot more space then the typical trunk on a 4-door car. I would worry less about what seems popular from TV ads and actually see/try the the vehicle for themselves. Many smaller cars are so low to the ground that elderly people have trouble getting in/out of them.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Many smaller cars are so low to the ground that elderly people have trouble getting in/out of them.

 

[MillauFr]

Yep my dad had an Electra. I sometimes drove them places in it. The hood went on for days

How was it to parallel park?