Endorsed: An Assist Device to Get In and Out of the Car

Explorer Rosalie brings a sample of an item that she highly recommends as an aid for getting into or out of an automobile. She explains that she and her husband each own cars. Hers has really solid doors, and when she exits the vehicle, she holds on to the door, which is 'pretty stable'. But when she exits his car, the door is less stable and when she holds onto it, it comes back onto her instead of offering a solid support to get out of the car.

Rosalie holds up the Handybar, which she reports has solved her problem of finding stability when exiting a car other than hers. The metal shank of the Handbar slips down snugly into the latch on the frame of the car door and it gives her something to hold onto that doesn't move. She calls it 'fantastic' and attests that it really works, especially since she does not have upper body or hand strength..

She points out that the device has additional safety features: It has a recessed blade that can be used in emergency to cut away the seat belt, and the metal shank can break the window if needed to make a way to escape. Rosalie keeps it in her car, but transfers it to her husband's car if she is a passenger rather than buying two of them.

Because she uses two crutches, it took a little time to learn how to coordinate them on the seat beside her and also use the Handbar, but once she worked out the logistics, it has been convenient for her in spite of the challenge. On the other hand, Larry reports that the Handybar attaches to the door frame at a height that is not the most convenient for his wife to use it comfortably. Concluding, the group ponders whether attaching the device perpendicular to the curb is better than sticking out at a 90-degree angle.

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from the Saratoga Retirement Community circle discussion May 24th, 2016.