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Wheelchair to the car and back transfers are hard and sometimes unsafe. I know there are expensive options out there where you modify your car. I don’t have the money for that. Is there a cheaper option out there? I know about transfer boards. I’m just looking for another option. Anyone seen anything?

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It would help to know who this is for - you or someone you are helping.

For you: Someone pointed out The Car Stool, which is an interesting alternative to a transfer board, and looks much more stable. Likewise the Slide-n-Ride.

For helping others: A "portable" car specific lift ($600). portable Hoyer lifts ($1500), and the Ibis and Autochair ($7000-ish) are options that don't require a modification to the car. And the Mary Sling is great if you need a safe way to help shift someone.

https://www.thecarstool.com/

https://slide-n-ride.com/products/slide-n-ride

https://www.amazon.com/Wheelchair-Portable-Lightweight-Disabled-Multifunctional/dp/B0BF4SW5HV

https://www.allegromedical.com/products/the-advance-patient-lift-hydraulic-unit-each/

https://www.alternatemobility.com.au/personal-lifts-hoists/

https://www.amazon.com/Mobility-Transfer-System-Safetysure-MaryS/dp/B003Z3VMFG/
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Reply to elisny
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Fortunept: Perhaps you can retry a transfer board or possibly a slide board can be used.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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The safest way I have found to transfer from wheelchair to car is a lift. You can rent them (not sure the cost in your area).

Also, Medicare will cover the cost if your primary care doctor will send a request to Medicare.

if your loved one is a vet, the VA will provide a battery operated one at no charge and they will deliver.
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Reply to skiger
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I'm using the patient's lift, hydraulic, it can be taken apart (the upper part and the base). It cost around $500. My husband is immobile, can't stand on his feet, is non-cooperative, and weighs 200 lbs. I can't say it is easy to move him from the wheelchair to the car seat (we have an old Toyota Camry), I had to practice at the beginning a lot. If your patient is cooperative, it is going to be much easier. Two parts of the lift are on the heavy side, but I can get it into the car. For sure, it is a safe patient transfer.
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Reply to elenawerby
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Interesting question I struggled with my wife for over 2 years. I learned a few things along the way. One I need more exercise. The second there must be a better way. As an engineer you would think I could design something. But it is a complicated problem. Ideas are welcome.
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Reply to Sample
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We tried a slide board and found it only works if the car seat and the wheelchair seat are almost the same height. We found only sedans seem to be build this way. SUVs are too high.
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Reply to Dillsburglady
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asfastas1can Aug 15, 2024
I am going to look into slide boards. We have a van and a car, but both are becoming difficult for us to use with my 95-year-old mother who has dementia and is a big fall risk. She was using a walker, but now is in a wheelchair. My husband and I both have had two back operations each and, during the time she has been in AL, have had joint replacements, too, so this transferring from bed to wheelchair and/or car, toilet, recliner have been painful for us and terrifying for my mom. Perhaps this tip of a slide board may work. I am so glad that this forum is here so we all can share our ideas and tips.
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My mo has lost mobility. She cannot stand or pivot. I hired a non emergency transport company for their wheelchair van. My mom is 85 with a severe fall risk. She is so fearful of falling. R4H is very dependable for us. My mom doesn't have much time left, so I don’t think about investing in a different vehicle. I know that my mom feels safe as long as she is in her wheelchair.
Too bad there isn't an insulated wheelchair hitch such as a side car for a motorcycle LOL!
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Reply to Onlychild2024
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I think whether you invest in a short term device or long term car modications will depend on a few factors.

Will this person improve?
Or is this injury/mobility permanent?

Could this person improve their upper body strength?
Or is this person frail & expected to become weaker & frailer?

My family didn't WANT to use wheelchair taxis. High cost, long wait times, mentioned feelings of embarressment too.

Didn't WANT to have to NEED it. But they do need it.

*I am not a wheelchair van*
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Reply to Beatty
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I got a waterproof pad and sewed taffeta to each side then attached heavy braid for handles. Mom could sit down and I used the handles to maneuver her into the car. It worked great for us.
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Reply to RLWG54
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Beatty Aug 10, 2024
Smart!!!
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I've been looking around online. Check out thecarstool.com. It's a stool to help with the transfer. Seems like a safer and simpler option. Still it's $159 bucks but thats cheaper than the other one I found that was $700!!!
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Reply to Fortunept
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Does the wheelchair have a side that comes up so you can transfer sideways. Thats when you use a transfer board. The side swings up and away. The board helps scoot them in. There is also a round "lazy susan" type thing you put on the seat, put them in side ways then turn them around.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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cwillie Aug 10, 2024
Maybe it depends on what kind of car you're driving but I've never been able to see a way to use a transfer board with a car, it might would work for someone who has the upper body strength to transfer themselves but if they need a helper the car door is in the way. And the lazy susan thing was a bust for us, it was hard to transfer directly onto the centre of device and terribly uncomfortable to sit on (not sure it was safe either) - a simple plastic bag worked 100% better.
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