Fall Prevention Chairs and Wheelchairs from Broda

The Need for a Fall Prevention Plan

Falls are the leading cause of death in people over the age of 65, and injuries from falls cost the healthcare industry up to $50 billion per year, according to a 2018 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.¹ Falls occur for a variety of reasons, such as poor balance, improperly executed transfers, wheelchair malfunctions, and excessive fidgeting from discomfort. Bathing can be especially risky for people with poor balance and a low-quality shower chair.

At Broda, we engineer solutions for fall prevention. Our fall prevention wheelchairs aim to make seating safe and comfortable for every part of your routine.

Our Fall Prevention Wheelchair Recommendations

“No-Lift” Fall Prevention

Broda wheelchairs include built-in fall prevention features that work in tandem with your “no-lift” or fall prevention program. Our swing-away arm and leg supports pivot to the side during transfers, leaving a wide space for the patient to move. Furthermore, our wheelchairs can be tilted and reclined to help the occupant keep a comfortable and secure posture. In a full, 90-degree reclining position, caregivers can transfer a patient from their bed to their wheelchair on a slide board, without any lifting. This makes Broda wheelchairs an effective tool for fall prevention in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings.

Comfort is Essential to Fall Prevention

Comfort plays a significant role in a person’s risk of falling. A comfortable patient is less likely to scoot towards the edge of the wheelchair, an action that can change the center of gravity for both the patient and the chair, putting the patient at risk for injury.

Knowing that comfort is a precursor to wheelchair fall prevention, Broda created our one-of-a-kind Comfort Tension Seating® system. Unlike conventional sling-style wheelchairs, Comfort Tension Seating® is made up of multiple straps that mold to the user’s body, creating a uniquely supportive and comfortable seating surface.

Increased Balance Awareness

Many Broda wheelchairs can be configured with a low seat to floor height to allow the user to place their feet firmly on the floor, adding a measure of security. This setup also allows the individual to propel the chair with their feet, encouraging independent mobility and reducing the number of chair transfers, which always create a potential fall risk. Additionally, proprioceptive input of feet on the floor provides important feedback to the body about balance and position.

Broda Wheelchairs, An Easy Solution for Fall Prevention

Falls are both painful and costly. They can cause injuries that require hospitalization or even surgery, and they can also lead to a loss of independence. Broda wheelchairs can be a key element of fall prevention for elderly wheelchair users as well as individuals in rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

If you’re looking for a fall prevention wheelchair that will keep you or your patients safe and comfortable, look no further than Broda.

References

1. Haskins, J. (2018). Falls among US seniors cost $50 billion each year. The Nation’s Health, 48 (4) E18. Retrieved from: https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/48/4/E18