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A person with Alzheimer's disease or a similar dementia may have difficulty getting in and out of the car. As dementia progresses, perceptual problems may develop, often making it difficult for the person to recognize differing depths. As confusion increases, the once logical and habitual steps necessary to get in and out ofa car are forgotten. The following steps may help you ensure the safety and comfort of the person with Alzheimer's disease when travelling by car. These steps may also help make the process easier for you, the caregiver, and the person you are caring for:

• Park your car on a flat surface a fair distance from the curb. Leave enough room for the person to step onto the street and to be able to turn to sit.
• Move the front seat back as far as possible so there is lots of room to move. The front seat of the car is often more accessible than the rear seats.
• Clothing may stick to car seats made of velour or cloth. Try covering the car seat with more slippery material, such as a sheet of plastic, to case movement and shifting. Open the front door first; turn the person around so that his buttocks are facing the inside of the can Hold the person's hands in yours, or place his left hand on the door and his right hand on the back of the door frame. Back the person up until the back of his legs is touching the car seat.
• Ensure the person's feet are outside of the car and firmly on the ground; guide the person to sit sideways on the seat.
• Once seated, direct the person to pull in their left leg, and then their right. Once legs are inside, the person can shift or swivel around to face the front of the car. Direct the person to scoot their bum towards the back of the seat.
• Buckle up.
• If the person attempts to remove the seatbelt while driving, turn the seatbelt inside out so that the buckle is not easily accessible.

Related information: Daily Living - Driving

Resource: Alzheimer's Care Guide, April 1999

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