Reasons for the Use of a Geri Chair

The Geri chair is used in geriatric health care facilities and privately in the home. They are durable, versatile and provide comfort and convenience for the patient and the care giver. The styles and uses vary depending on what features and attachments are added. Geriatric care facilities such as nursing homes, as well as home health care providers, employ the the Geri chair for a variety of uses.

Mobility

• Health care facilities use Geri chairs in the upright position as wheelchairs to comfortably mobilize patients who are unable to walk. They are narrow and fit most doorways and hallways. Chairs also have built-on trays and that the patient can use while eating, and healthcare providers can use when administering mediations.

Comfort

• The Geri chair offers ergonomic components. When in upright position, the chair's contoured back provides lumbar and lower back support. The headrest is adjustable and provides neck support. The ergonomic features allow patients to enjoy activities while in a seating position comfortably for a longer period of time. The foot rest easily pushes under the chair when the patient wants to stand.

Versatility

• The Geri chair's back reclines fully and this is a necessity for patients recovering from surgery or physical trauma. In addition, this makes the Geri chair a transportable hospital bed. Chairs with built-on restraint straps are used if the doctor orders restraints to prevent a patient from falling during sleep or a mentally-ill patient from wandering off.

Helpful for Recovery Patients

• The Geri chair has a foot elevation feature. Some medical conditions require elevating the feet to help healing. Foot elevation is used in the treatment of edema, bone fractures and leg fatigue. Elevating the legs also promote blood circulation when seated for a long period. The Geri chair locks into place to allow a patient to sit comfortable and safely until then nurse completes floor rounds.