Getting In and Out of the Car

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD. 

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TMTCmbMIlbs

Sometimes the hardest part of the outing isn’t where you’re going - it’s getting in and out of the car.

This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we share simple tips for easier transfers, less stiffness during rides, medication timing, and tools that can make travel more manageable.

Small strategies can make a big difference. 

To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-pearls4pd

Wisconsin Parkinson Association 
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:04

Welcome to Pearls for Parkinson's. Here is this week's daily living tip. Hello, friends, and welcome back to Pearls for Parkinsons. Today we're talking about getting in and out of the car easier. You know, as the weather improves, many of us begin getting out more, whether it's appointments or errands, family visits, lunch with friends. But for many people living with Parkinson's, the hardest part of the outing is not where you're going, it's the car. Getting in, getting out, feeling stiff after the ride, or turning in the seat. These are common challenges. And today we're going to talk about some strategies that can make a big difference. Let's start with getting out of the car. Instead of standing up quickly, try to slow it down more. Scooch to the edge of the seat first and place both feet firmly on the ground. Lean forward, we always say nose over toes, and then stand with intention. One steady movement is often safer than several rushed ones. Next, try to pivot instead of twist. Twisting while your feet are planted can be difficult and may throw your balance off. Instead, bring both legs out of the vehicle first, turn your whole body together, and then stand. Another helpful pearl is to consider using a car handle assist tool, sometimes called a car cane or auto assist handle. This small little portable device slides into that U-shape latched on your car door frame and gives you a sturdy handle to push from or steady yourself with whenever you're standing up. Many people find it adds confidence and makes those transfers much easier. Now let's talk a little bit about longer rides. Sitting for a long time can really increase stiffness. And if you're traveling more than an hour or two, plan breaks when possible. Stand up, stretch, take a short walk, and reset your posture. A few minutes of movement can really help you feel much better when you arrive. Another tip is time outings with your medication when possible. And many of you already know this. And it's often a tip I get from other individuals who are living with Parkinson's. If you know when you're going to have your on times, try to schedule errands or appointments during those windows. Starting a trip during an off period can make the whole process harder than it needs to be. And keep essentials within reach. Your water, your medications, sunglasses, that parking place card, tissues, your phone. Less twisting and searching means less frustration. Sometimes people begin avoiding outings because getting there feels difficult. If the car feels harder than it used to, you're not alone. It doesn't mean you need to stop going out. It means you just need to adapt. Thank you for joining me today at Pearls for Parkinsons. If this episode could help someone you know, please share it with them. And tune in next Monday for more Pearls for Parkinsons. The Wisconsin Parkinson Association is a grassroots organization funded by people like you. To support more local programming like this, visit wiparkinson.org.