Policies and Procedures

                                                                         

                                                                       POLICY AND PROCEDURES

                                                                           for the Wheelchair Assistant Device

Description:

      The Wheelchair Assistant is a strap system consisting of an elastic strap, folded in half and joined in the center by an arm band made of Velcro, and a clasp at the other end of each half of the strap.   

 
Directions for Use:

       The clasps can be attached to a wheelchair in three different manners, depending on the wheelchair and the assistant's need.   Each end with a clasp can be inserted from outside to inside through the arms of the wheelchair and then fastened to the BACK of the wheelchair seat.   This method gives maximum control over the wheelchair.    Or the strap can be fastened by the clasps directly to the BACK  of the wheelchair seat without going through the arms.   To store the device on a wheelchair, the strap will hang over the top of the chair, onto the REAR of the chair, where a self-adhesive Velcro strip will be fastened.   The Velcro handle is to be fastened to that strip.    The third method shall only be used if there is a cushion in the seat of the wheelchair, thus protecting the patient from contact with the clasps.    The clasps in this case would be fastened directly onto the FRONT of the wheelchair seat (under the cushion) and could be stored with the chair by running it under the chair and fastening it to the rear of the chair onto the self-adhesive Velcro that will be fastened there.

 Purpose:

     The Wheelchair Assistant is a strap that pulls the chair behind a patient that is re-learning to stand or walk, i.e. following a stroke, knee replacement, hip replacement, accident, etc.   The strap eliminates the need for a second person to push the wheelchair behind the said patient and person assisting that patient.  

 Warnings:

       The Wheelchair Assistant is NOT to be attached to a motorized wheelchair.   It is to be used solely on a manual wheelchair.    It is NOT to be used to pull a patient while in the wheelchair.  It's to be used with an unoccupied chair ONLY.    The Wheelchair Assistant is NOT to be fastened to a patient for any reason.   It is to be used by the assistant ONLY.    This device is NOT to be used as a gait belt.  It shall be used ONLY for the purpose it was designed to perform, which is to motivate a manual wheelchair behind a patient. 

 Care and Warranty:

       The Wheelchair Assistant can be wiped clean and sprayed, or can be removed and laundered and then re-attached.   The manufacturer's warranty on parts is ONE YEAR.   If the device shows any wear or tear, it should be replaced immediately.  Any attempt to repair the device voids the manufacturer's warranty and responsibility.

 
Production Notes to Facility:

         A minimum of 6 (six) rows of stitching are used to secure the clasps to the strap and 6 (six) rows of stitching to secure the arm band to the strap.

        The Manufacturer does carry insurance on each item that is produced and a quality control inspection is performed on each item before it is released for purchase.