How do I choose the best Hip Belt for my client?
Step One: Select Belt Type
OPTIONS | 2 POINT | 4 POINT |
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WHAT THIS MEANS? | Two points of attachment to the wheelchair | Four points of attachment to the wheelchair |
SUITABLE FOR: | Mild-moderate positioning requriements | Moderate-advanced positioning requirements. Also controls users with pelvic rotation and windswept deformities. |
HOW DOES IT WORK? | Main straps position the belt then the subordinate straps anchor the belt in position for enhacned support. Prevents sliding up into the abdomen or twisting. | |
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Step Two: Select Buckle
OPTIONS | SIDE RELEASE | CENTRE RELEASE | ANTI-ESCAPE | PEN POPPER | EASY RELEASE LATCH |
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FEATURES | Simple and easy to click together and undo | Robust design that is strong enough to keep the user positioned safely | Very successful in preventing individuals with inquisitive fingers or learning difficulties from releaseing the buckle | Extremely successful in preventing individuals with inquisitive fingers or learning difficulties from releasing the buckle | Ideal solution for user that self-transfer in an dout of their wheelchiar but have limited hand function to open buckles |
SUITABLE FOR: | Carer operation | User operation | Users with challenging or escaping behaviour | Users with challenging or escaping behaviour | User operation |
HOW TO OPERATE: | Squeeze the two clips together to release | Press the release button to release | Operates in reverse to a normal buckle, and disengages by raising a spring-loaded lever (won't press release) | Requires a tool eg pointed pen or key to fit through a small hole and reach the buckle release mechanism to open. | Lift the metal buckle flap and slide the buckle apart |
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Step Three: Select Pull Style
OPTIONS | CENTRE PULL | SIDE PULL | DUAL CENTRE PULL |
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OPERATOR | User or Carer | Carer | User or Carer |
ADJUSTMENT | Tensions at the centre of the buckle | Tensions from the rear of the pad pulling towards the centre, meaning there is more 'force' which is great for enhanced positioning | Tensions from both sides at the centre of the buckle |
SUITABLE FOR: | Users with low muscle tone or weakness | Users with high muscle tone | Users requiring greater adjustmnet range |
FEATURES | Counters pelvic rotation by allowing the caregiver to position one side of the pelvis, lock it in place, and the position on the other side | Accommodates varying layers of clothing | |
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Step Four: Select Size
This is a guide only and the sizing of the hip belt/harness depends significantly on the physique of the client.
SPEX HIP BELT & HARNESS SIZE SELECTION GUIDEDEPENDS ON PHYSIQUE OF USER | ||||
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USER'S W/C WIDTH | 8-12" | 11-15" | 14-17" | 17-20" |
RECOMMENDED SIZE | X-Small | Small | Medium | L |
Need help deciding what the best hip belt is for you or your client?
Find out here:
2 Point Centre Pull Padded Hip Belt
2 Point Dual Centre Pull Padded Hip Belt
4 Point Centre Pull Padded Hip Belt
4 Point Dual Centre Pull Padded Hip Belt
4 Point Side Pull Padded Hip Belt
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