How do I stop her from unfastening the seatbelt

9 replies

Nerdles · 08/11/2024 19:06

My DM will not keep her seatbelt fastened! She has dementia and does not seem to understand how unsafe it is.

I give her lot of support in terms of taking her to appointments, shopping and days out but if I don’t find a way to keep her from unfastening the seatbelt all of this will have to stop.

Does anything exist that would help with this?

OP posts:

Unconvinced8768 · 10/11/2024 17:55

My DM was a menace for doing this!! I gave her a soft toy cat and asked her to hold it for me while we drove and make sure it didn’t get loose in the car.

PermanentTemporary · 10/11/2024 17:53

If she can safely hold a drink maybe that would help?

isthewashingdryyet · 08/11/2024 21:41

She will be able to remember when she was a young woman and seat belts were optional. So in her mind she can just undo the seat belt and all will be okay

Distraction with a fiddle thing and a sleeve that pulls down over the fastening May help

Original poster

Nerdles · 08/11/2024 19:38

Brilliant ideas. Thank you!

I’m not sure at all why she does it. It’s quite a new thing.

OP posts:

wishing3 · 08/11/2024 19:14

I think there are devices to prevent this- like the Houdini things you get for kids but but for adults

Tangobag · 08/11/2024 19:14

These seatbelt covers work for my son and my partner uses them in his work with disabled adults

JayEffSee · 08/11/2024 19:13

Or try something like this - https://incarsafetycentre.co.uk/products/buckleguard-seat-buckle-cover

But the thing is these are designed for toddlers so an adult with adult sized hands and adult strength grip might not be deterred...

Buckleguard Seat Buckle Cover

This buckle guard will help stop your passenger from releasing their seat belt during journeys. It screws on like a medicine bottle lid and covers the release button. This product should be used on a risk assessment basis only. This can be carried out...

https://incarsafetycentre.co.uk/products/buckleguard-seat-buckle-cover

JayEffSee · 08/11/2024 19:11

Do you know why she does it (apart from dementia I mean)? Uncomfortable? Eager to arrive?

You could try giving her fidget items to hold and fiddle with for the journey.

thistimelastweek · 08/11/2024 19:09

Giant versions of scratch mittens?
Only half joking.

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