Dear Raven,

In the nursing home where my mother in law lives they use a foam pillow sort
of thing that jams between the armrests of a wheelchair, in the front of the
patient.   They call it a "lap buddy" and although it is not really much of
a restraint, it keeps them from getting out of the wheel chair too easily.
Nursing homes are restricted in the kind of restraint they can use, and a
truly determined person might be able to get that lap buddy out.   My mother
in law is also always trying to get up and out.   When she succeeds she
falls and this could be a danger.   I don't know if a more restrictive
restraint could be used in a home situation, but surely you don't have the
same kinds of restrictions a nursing home does.   I agree that it is better
to be safe than sorry....

There are a variety of trays you can get that may be enough to
discourage her from trying to stand. Also, see on this link the Posey
"Hugger" cushion, which is a lap cushion that acts as a positioner and
a deterrent to getting out of the chair - they also have harnesses and
I've seen wheel chair alarms that go off if the person stands.

I've included this link just so you can get ideas - variations are
available from myriad medical supply places.

http://www.allegromedical.com/wheelchair_accessories/wheelchair_trays
Mary G.