What is the difference between Geri and Broda chairs?

While both Geri and Broda chairs serve the purpose of providing comfortable, specialized seating for individuals with mobility challenges, a key difference lies in their level of customization and support. Geri chairs typically offer basic reclining functions, whereas Broda chairs feature advanced positioning technologies for more complex care needs.

Quick Summary

This article explains the core differences between Geri and Broda chairs, covering their design, therapeutic capabilities, ideal use cases, and cost. It clarifies why a Broda chair is a more advanced medical device suitable for complex conditions and long-term care.

Key Points

• Limited vs. Advanced Adjustability: Geri chairs typically offer limited, fixed reclining positions, while Broda chairs feature infinitely adjustable tilt-in-space technology for precise patient positioning.

• Pressure Management: Broda chairs use a specialized Comfort Tension Seating system to redistribute pressure and prevent skin breakdown, a feature largely absent in the basic foam padding of Geri chairs.

• Long-Term vs. Short-Term Use: Geri chairs are suited for short-term seating, while Broda chairs are engineered for long-term therapeutic use for individuals with complex medical conditions.

• Intended Patient Population: Broda chairs are recommended for users with severe mobility limitations or conditions like cerebral palsy, while Geri chairs serve patients with more general mobility issues.

• Cost and Value: Geri chairs have a lower initial cost, but Broda chairs can offer greater long-term value by preventing costly complications such as falls and pressure injuries.

• Categorization: Broda chairs are classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), highlighting their clinical and therapeutic purpose, unlike the more basic recliner furniture of Geri chairs.

A Geri chair, or geriatric chair, is a standard medical recliner designed for general comfort and mobility support, often used in hospitals and nursing homes. They offer more substantial seating and multiple recline positions compared to a basic wheelchair.

Geri Chair: Features and Limitations

Typically, Geri chairs have a steel frame, padded upholstery, and casters for mobility. They usually provide three recline positions: upright, TV position, and full recline. However, they have several limitations:

• Limited Customization: Basic adjustments and uniform foam seating provide comfort but lack specialized pressure management.
• Reduced Pressure Relief: They may cause pressure on bony areas, posing a risk for patients prone to pressure ulcers.
• Intended for Short-Term Use: Less sophisticated pressure relief makes them better for shorter periods.
• Less Therapeutic Positioning: They lack advanced options like tilt-in-space, important for complex conditions.

Broda Chair: Advanced Positioning and Therapeutic Benefits

A Broda chair is a highly specialized clinical positioning chair and Durable Medical Equipment (DME). They offer superior comfort, posture support, and therapeutic benefits for individuals with complex medical needs through features like Comfort Tension Seating®, which uses adjustable straps for pressure redistribution.

Key features of Broda chairs:

• Tilt-in-Space Technology: This feature allows the chair to tilt back while maintaining hip and knee angles, redistributing pressure and reducing skin breakdown risk.
• Infinitely Adjustable Positioning: A wide range of recline and tilt options helps caregivers find optimal positions for comfort and clinical needs.
• Customizable for Complex Needs: Adjustable seat dimensions and lateral supports accommodate specific conditions for proper posture.
• Enhanced Durability and Warranty: Robust construction and warranties make them a good long-term investment.

Comparison Table: Geri vs. Broda Chairs

Feature	Geri Chair (Standard)	Broda Chair (Clinical)
Purpose	Basic comfort and temporary mobility for general use in elderly care settings.	Advanced positioning and pressure management for complex, long-term care needs.
Adjustability	Limited; typically offers 3-4 preset recline positions.	Highly customizable with infinitely adjustable tilt-in-space and recline.
Pressure Relief	Basic foam padding; can lead to "bottoming out".	Advanced Comfort Tension Seating® system redistributes pressure and enhances air circulation.
Ideal User	Individuals with moderate mobility issues who do not have a high risk of skin breakdown.	Patients with complex needs such as cerebral palsy, Huntington's disease, or those at high risk for pressure ulcers.
Cost	More affordable upfront.	Higher initial cost, but can offer long-term savings by preventing pressure injuries and falls.
Therapeutic Benefits	Provides change of scenery and basic repositioning.	Prevents skin breakdown, improves posture, digestion, and oxygenation.
Environment	Hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care where patients have general seating needs.	Long-term care, rehabilitation, palliative care, and hospice settings.

Conclusion

The choice between Geri and Broda chairs depends on the user's specific needs, risks, and budget. Geri chairs are suitable for basic comfort and temporary mobility for moderate needs, but lack advanced features for complex long-term care. Broda chairs, with superior pressure redistribution and adjustable positioning, are therapeutic devices for managing complex conditions and reducing complications like pressure ulcers. While more expensive initially, Broda chairs can provide long-term value by improving patient health and reducing care costs. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for detailed advice.

Broda Seating provides detailed information on their products and their benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geri chair?

A Geri chair, or geriatric chair, is a type of medical recliner designed for elderly patients or individuals with limited mobility. It typically provides three to four reclining positions to offer more support and comfort than a standard wheelchair.

What is a Broda chair?

A Broda chair is a highly specialized clinical positioning chair that features advanced technology like tilt-in-space and a Comfort Tension Seating system to provide superior pressure redistribution and therapeutic benefits for patients with complex medical needs.

Are Broda chairs better than Geri chairs?

A Broda chair is considered a more functional and comfortable seating solution than a standard Geri chair, especially for individuals requiring advanced positioning and pressure management to prevent pressure sores.

Can a Broda chair prevent pressure sores?

Yes, Broda chairs are designed with pressure management in mind. Their tilt-in-space technology and Comfort Tension Seating system help to redistribute a patient's weight, which is crucial for preventing and treating pressure ulcers.

Which chair is more expensive?

Broda chairs are significantly more expensive upfront than Geri chairs due to their specialized features, greater durability, and therapeutic capabilities.

When should someone use a Geri chair?

A Geri chair is appropriate for patients who need a comfortable recliner for general seating and short periods out of bed but do not have complex positioning needs or a high risk of developing pressure injuries.

When is a Broda chair recommended?

A Broda chair is recommended for individuals with complex or long-term mobility issues, such as those with neurological conditions, significant agitation, or a high risk of skin breakdown.