He needs the seat belt so he doesn’t try to get out and hurt himself but fallout onto the foot rest. This rule causes him more Harm than the seatbelt. How can we get around them blocking us from using a seatbelt on his wheelchair? Do I need to get a lawyer involved?
In the nursing home
There are alarms that they attach part of the alarm to the chair and part to the person. If the person tries to get up the two parts will break away and an alarm will sound. This is not a restraint.
There are also pads that can be put on the seat cushion that makes it very difficult to slide out of the chair. (think of the sticky "window walkers" kids play with it is that type of product. This is not a restraint
Trays that attach to the chair ARE considered a restraint.
Belts are also restraints.
Typically the residents that are more apt to try to get out of a chair are placed very near or right at the Nurses Station in the hall so they are watched much more closely.
If the chair alarm has been tried and it has not worked.
If the pad on the seat that is supposed to prevent sliding or slipping out has not worked.
they may ask that a "sitter" be with him so that it is more of a 1 on 1 case
If all else fails it might be possible that a Doctor can order a restraint.
there are circumstances where it might be permitted. But it would have to be monitored closely and documented.
This would be a discussion to have with Administration and try everything possible before resorting to a restraint.
No attached table or tray, and that was almost 14years ago.
I'm glad there is some flexibility where I live, although we have laws prohibiting restraints they can be overridden in some circumstances.
Approach it from this angle: you're pleased with the facility (if you really are) but troubled b/c the issue of keeping your son in his wheelchair hasn't been resolved. You understand the restraint issue, but he needs assistance to remain in his wheelchair (in order to stay in that facility).
Ask what suggestions they have. PT or OT might also have suggestions, so I would ask that they be consulted as well.
If you make it clear you understand the situation, but that it doesn't solve the problem, they may be more willing to work with you. Help them think that they're solving a major problem; flattering them will help in the short and long run, as well as accomplish the goal of keeping your son in the wheelchair.
Good luck, and please let us know if this approach works.
My grannie had a heavy foam table, that wrapped around her body, that was used to restrain her in her wheelchair and her doctor had to write an order for it. Without it she would have been on the floor everytime she was left without direct supervision.
My Mom was given a Geri chair. It looked like one of those beach chairs with the thick vinyl straps. The back could be reclined. The seat could be adjusted so the seat was slightly slanted down in the back. This kept Mom from being able to get out of the chair. It had cushions on each side of her head in case she fell asleep, it kept her head from falling over. And she could scoot around in it. I loved it.