I recently read that one of the most common reasons the elderly end up in a long-term care facility is that they lose their ability to squat. In other words, they have trouble sitting down and standing back up again unassisted. This loss of strength can also cause problems getting in and out of cars. A caregiver in the Pacific Northwest recently shared a not-so-well-known tool she uses to help: a car cane.

A handheld “cane” can help folks get in and out of the car

Illene Kaup posts caregiver tips and words of support on her social account, Caregiver Chronicles. A few days ago, she shared a reel about a “car cane.” I’d never heard of them before.

It’s a small tool with a screwdriver-like handle. On the end, though, is a short piece of solid metal. The metal is angled to slide into a car door striker. The angle also helps users steady the tool against the vehicle’s unibody.

The tool is super portable and works on any car door striker regardless of the seat the user is targeting. In other words, it works on front and rear seats, left or right position.

The nifty device struck me as helpful for anyone who finds themselves “falling” into a vehicle or struggling to pull themselves out. In the latter situation, I’ve seen folks lean on the door panel, which moves. I’ve also witnessed drivers and passengers reach up for the assist grips. Assist grips are the handles bolted to the cabin ceiling that sometimes flip down when you grab them. Often, people have a hard time reaching up that high.

Car canes are really cheap – typically less than 15 bucks – and are available at many retailers.