My 91 year old gentleman has recently been admitted to a wonderful memory care community. The staff and care is excellent. However, because this is a new situation he is slightly agitated and keeps slipping out of a wheelchair or lounger. Sometimes he attempted to get up and loses balance. Some falls are slight....almost in slow motion. But it is a fall.
A recent one resulted with a bump on the head and a multiple night stay in the hospital.
I've been told that "seat belts" are not permitted. Is there something that can be added to prevent him from repeated soft falls. David Letterman's velcro suit would not be out of the question.
Also not all wheelchairs are alike. If he’s especially tall, he may need a more specialized one. Or one that has a lower back portion so his butt tilts lower (need upper body strength for this type). Really the OT will have suggestions.
In fact, even the “Velcro Suit” would likely be illegal. I’m afraid you’re going to have to be in touch with the facility PT or OT, and hope for the best.
You might also check to see about a reclining type of wheel chair. It would probably be more difficult to get out of, but would hinder moving around on his own while seated in it (if he still moves around that way). Maybe rent one to test it out and buy it if it works.
There are "grippy" pieces that can be placed on the seat or cushion that prevent slippage. (kinda like the non slip pads they used to have for your car dashboard so you could put an object on that dash and it would not slide off as easily)
There are also alarms that will attach to the back of the chair and the shirt so if the contact is broken an alarm will sound so (hopefully) they can get to him in time.
Often people that try to get out of their chair will be placed near an area where there is a lot of staff. The Nurses station, a common room that is monitored by staff. At a table so he can do something to keep him occupied. The table will act as a deterrent to trying to get up.
(Velcro suit would also be considered a restraint if he is attached to the chair😉)
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