Seatbelt for armchair?

[Vicky86]

Just wondering if anybody has a seatbelt to prevent falls when little upper body strength?

Trying to avoid my father falling from his chair and the need for him to be in a hospital bed full time

Thanks

[Ellie]

He should be assessed by his OT / Physio. There are trunk supports available but they are not a "one size fits all" solution.

Love Ellie.

[Terry]

Hi Vicky;

He should be assessed but maybe you could fit a strap around him. A four point seat type belt would give support but it could affect his breathing if it's to tight or he moves or slides a little. Falling that a wide velcro strap but that is more likely to cause breathing restrictions.

You can get special rise and recline chair that have extra supports and maybe straps in/on, but these are expensive.

Some wheelchairs offer good support, there are special manual ones that recline and offer more things. Probably Wheelchair services could sort out one for him.

Power wheelchair normally recline into a good position for support but you would need on that is fitted to his needs. Getting in and out of wheelchairs can be impossible for us so he might need hoisting.

Let us know your thoughts, etc.

Love Terry

[Vicky86]

Thanks both

He has been assessed as safe to sit in the chair but he and I remain worried he will fall out as he did recently

So much to keep up with

[Vicky86]

Yes Terry you are right, he has a motorised chair but barely gets to use it

How do you cope? It’s all very difficult I admire you all on here

[Terry]

Hi Vicky;

I have some use of my legs, arms and hands, so I can do a bit to help myself. I have a bit of high tech gear but also have heath robinson modification and crazy but workable methods. But I can't talk, so always jealous of those that can. LOL.

You can run a computer on voice activation as well.

Love Terry

[Ellie]

Goodness, that's awful Vicky - no wonder you are feeling stressed and chasing your tail

If your poor dad fell out of his armchair, it's not safe / suitable. I presume you've tried putting cushions by his side for support (kind of wedging him in) and making sure the chair is reclined, even a tad, to move his centre of gravity backwards and increase his stability?

II'd be slow to say try a DIY restraining system because, as Terry said, it may impede breathing, and it may end up causing him pain or pressure points.

It might be worth revisiting his power wheelchair as a safeer seating option, providing it's comfortable, that is! I know he can't drive it but there are attendant control drivers available (if he's lucky!) or he may be able to use head controls, or indeed a person can drive the chair for him - after all, his armchair doesn't move. There are numerous harness-type belts available.

Take care.

Love Ellie.