Wheelchair Seat Belts / Chair Restraints

What are Chair Restraints?

A chair restraint is a special “seat belt” designed to be used by individuals on wheelchairs. Lap belt restraints for elderly people support the patient and ensure he stays sitting in place, and doesn’t slide off the seat. Oftentimes, they will also help with keeping the pelvis properly aligned. Using a wheelchair belt is a great way to make sure one stays safe and secure. 

Who Are Wheelchair Seat Belt Restraints Intended for Use By?

Wheelchair seat belt restraints are most often used to prevent falls from occurring. They are thus most often used by wheelchair users who have in the past had any sort of slipping or falling episode relating to their wheelchair. Others who use wheelchair belts include, but are not limited to people who suffer from tics, seizures or muscle spasticity. 

Before investing in a wheelchair safety harness, it is important to discuss the options with a licensed medical professional who is fully aware of the patient’s cognitive and mobile abilities. He can help you figure out if a wheelchair harness restraint is the ideal option for the person’s individual circumstances, and, if it is, which type of wheelchair lap belt would do the maximum for the patient. 

Crucial Wheelchair Restraint Safety Tips

Wheelchair restraints can be beneficial, but only if used properly. Therefore, we rounded up a plethora of tips. Read on to be informed of important facts relating to wheelchair occupant restraint systems that you need to know before investing in one. 

Wheelchair belts and straps are designed to be used along during a short window of time, and not for the long term. They are an important device that can be of help when needed, but should not be used if there is no need. Wheelchair belts are also called for when a patient needs to be kept still in order to receive medication, or in order to be fed. 

A wheelchair lap strap is sort of like medicine - if you need it, by all means take it, but if you don’t, it’s not good for you. If a wheelchair belt is used for a patient for a lengthy amount of time, the person may begin to feel stifled. This can lead to unpretty circumstances. Before beginning to use a belt, a doctor should be consulted about for how long of a stretch of time the belt should be worn. 

Another important safety tip is to be sure that the patient is being well-monitored, and never simply left on his own; confined without supervision. A patient should never be left alone in his wheelchair wearing a wheelchair lap belt restraint if no one is watching him. 

Wheelchair Belt Restraints: Features to Look Out For

So, now that you know all the important information about chair and wheelchair belt restraints, you’ve spoken to a professional about the situation, and he recommended a restraint wheelchair belt clarified for you for how long your loved one can use the medical belt, you’re ready to start shopping around! To enable you to choose the ideal wheelchair belt option, we’ve compiled a short but thorough list of features you’ll want to look out for while browsing. 

Choosing a model with the soon-to-be-mentioned details is a great way to ensure that the wheelchair belt you choose is as comfortable, durable and secure as possible. 

• Make Sure it’s Machine Washable. A wheelchair belt that is machine washable is likely to endure through much more time than one that is not, since it can be easily cared for and kept in as impeccable condition as is possible.
• Notice if it’s Padded. Many people prefer their wheelchair belt to be padded, since they claim it compounds their comfort level.
• Find Out the Width of the Belt. A wider belt is usually less likely to dig into the skin at all in an uncomfortable manner.
• Read the Reviews. See what people are saying - is this wheelchair belt a comfortable one? Is it lasting for people? Take info culled from reviews and use it to help make a decision.
• Check if it’s Easy to Open and Close. Will the patient be able to open the velcro or hook and loop fastener independently? Depending on the situation, this feature can be either very advantageous or the opposite, but usually, it’s either one or the other. Therefore, no matter what your patient’s situation is, you’ll want to check if self-release is possible, or not. On the same note, you’ll want to know if the wheelchair belt can be turned around, so that the user can open it, again, for either of the aforementioned reasons.

Falls are a common occurrence among seniors - statistics culled by the CDC (US Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) state that a quarter of all American adults aged 65 and older experience a fall each year. Help prevent a fall from occuring by implementing a comprehensive fall prevention plan for your loved one - invest in a wheelchair belt or tie down wheelchair straps for your wheelchair securement system, get a bed alarm, make sure that the floors are always clear and free of obstacles, and do whatever else it takes to keep your loved one as safe as you can. 

If you’re looking to get a wheelchair seat belt buckle or chair restraint that is of high quality, and comfortable, too, AvaCare Medical has just what you want. We carry regular and bariatric wheelchair seat belts from the most acclaimed medical manufacturing brands. Our selection of wheelchair tie down and occupant restraint systems includes Posey Belts for wheelchairs, and Drive wheelchair seatbelts. Whether you need a geri chair restraint, a velcro wheelchair seatbelt, or a chair restraint, you’ll find what you need on AvaCare Medical. If you’re not certain which wheelchair belt to choose, feel free to reach out to our customer service team by either dialing 1.877.813.7799, or by emailing them. You can also contact a care rep through the chat on our site. Find wheelchair restraints for sale at great prices now!