Following the surveying that was sent to Westminster Thurber, the team went to complete some interviews with various people who volunteered to be interviewed. The first person that was interviewed was Dave. He primarily had concerned with getting out of the vehicle as he liked being able to push up off of arm rests or the center console. He mentioned how when using a seat, chair, or couch, he looks for seats that have armrests on both sides of it whenever possible as it makes getting up much easier.
Research
Research with Fred
Fred was concerned about the storage of his walker. He also expressed difficulty with getting out of the vehicle because he did not have much upper body strength. Fred owned 2 of the exact same Lincoln Sedans. Fred is driven around by his wife. Fred believes that a SUV would be more difficult to own because he is intimidated by having to raise himself up instead of lowering himself down. He also wishes that the seats would automatically move back and forth, he is annoyed with using the electronic buttons to move the seat to where he wants each time.
Introduction and Thought Process
- Who are the stakeholders?
- Older Adults, People with Mobility Issues, Caretakers, Occupational Therapists
- Processes that still need to be accomplished with product
- Getting into and out of car, Wearing seatbelt, Driving
- Generate research questions to use for surveys and interviews
- Collect data from various research methods
- Record data in team’s website
Interviews with Older Adults
We were able to interview three older adults to learn about their struggles when entering and exiting vehicles. We asked questions and took videos to learn about their processes.
The first interview was with Sylvia’s Great Aunt and the summary of what we learned is listed below.
- Doesn’t use an assistive device for walking
- Prefers getting into and out of lower cars
- Problem getting up to seats in higher vehicles
- Liked using steps to get into SUVs but wished they were lower
- Liked handles that were on front of door frame instead of overhead
- Doesn’t need help but likes when someone is there for support
- Doesn’t notice pain when getting into car
The next interview was with Sylvia’s Grandma Trudy.
- Uses a cane for walking
- Had a knee replacement
- Prefers to get into cars with rear end first
- Appreciates when people offer help for extra security but feels spoiled
- Getting into vehicles isn’t painful, but her body feels stiff
The final interview was with Katelyn’s Grandma Helen.
- Doesn’t use an assistive device for walking
- Prefers getting into and out of higher vehicles
- Likes having a step to stand on
- Says the handle is a “necessity”
- Puts one foot in and sits down to enter car
- Enters and exits cars by herself
- Doesn’t consider getting into or out of vehicles painful
Interview With Occupational Therapist
Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT
Primary Professional Areas of Interest
- Implementation science and knowledge translation
- Physical rehabilitation
- Geriatrics and gerontology
Involvement
- Practiced from 2010-2015 at Wexner
- Associate Professor in School of Occupational Therapy
- Research in Geriatrics
What We Learned
- What process she recommends for getting in and out of vehicles
- Tools that she has seen or worked with before
- Swivel seat, Leg strap, and “Car Cane”
- Her ideas and thoughts
- Adjustable seat (wheelchair bound users)
- Not so much the getting in/out of vehicles, but more so the ride
- Lack of blood flow, should shift weight while sitting
Survey Results
We created a survey to have the members of Ohio Living Retirement home fill out. We received a large number of responses. A summary of the findings is listed below:
Vehicles people use:
- CUV: 22
- Compact Sedan: 10
- Subcompact Sedan: 6
- SUV: 6
- Hatchback: 5
- Van: 1
- Older people prefer smaller vehicles
- 0 Pickup Trucks and only 6 SUVs
- CUVs are the most popular type of vehicle
- Best of both worlds: small size but also high off the ground for easier entering/exiting
Struggle more with entering or entering?
- Over 50% of people identified as struggling with entering/exiting
- Large portion didn’t struggle with either
- More people said that they struggled exiting rather than entering
- This differs from what was suggested by occupational therapist
Assistance received
- Majority of people get into/out of vehicle by themselves either because…
- They physically can
- They have no one to help them