For individuals who have debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or dementia, having the right seating can make the difference between being bed-bound and being able to enjoy life.
A high-quality chair or wheelchair can enable people to safely participate in everyday activities, interact with family and friends, and experience the world. Considering the massive population of aging Baby Boomers in America, mobility devices, and equipment that deliver comfort and quality will become increasingly important over time.
According to research by the Population Reference Bureau, the senior population is expected to expand to nearly 100 million by 2060 — more than double what it is today. While Boomers might be living longer, those added years do not necessarily guarantee a clean bill of health. The National Council on Aging reports that 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health issue, and 77 percent have two or more.
Regardless of a person’s age or condition, comfort is critical. It’s essential for the quality of care, especially for more dependent seniors who require a higher level of support in assisted living. It’s also a key component of skilled nursing, palliative care, and hospice; home health and independent living; and other environments.
Providing Comfort in Any Situation
Broda’s chairs and wheelchairs have unique features that provide ease to caregivers and improve the quality of life for patients. Our Comfort Tension Seating® technology is integrated into the frames of our chairs, and it enables us to position patients so they’re more upright with an open line of sight. This allows them to see what’s going on, participate in daily activities, and — most importantly — better interact with their surroundings.
A local caregiver described caring for a hospice patient (for privacy reasons, we’ll call her Sue) who required frequent repositioning due to excessive swelling and edema. Sue was using a standard basic rigid wheelchair, and she began to complain about pain and discomfort shortly after she was admitted. Unfortunately, she only felt better in bed, so that’s how she spent the majority of her days.
After trying multiple wheelchairs but noticing no improvement, the family requested Broda’s Synthesis Tilt Recliner after seeing another hospice patient use one. Once seated in the Synthesis, Sue immediately reported more comfort and decreased pain, and she had a much higher tolerance for sitting up during the day. This enabled her to spend more time out of her room, participate in activities, and socialize with those around her.
Intrigued as to why this dramatic change occurred? Let’s dig into five key features of our wheelchairs that ensure our customers are able to enjoy life:
1. Front-Pivot Seat Tilt
When one of our chairs is titled, the front of the seat remains at a constant height. This helps patients maintain a forward line of sight and allows them to better socialize and see their surroundings. Most other chairs and wheelchairs on the market have a rear-pivot or center-pivot seat tilt, which causes the front of the seat to raise when the chair is tilted. This ends up forcing patients to stare at the ceiling and miss out on the world around them.
2. Comfort Tension Seating®
Our seating provides a comfortable supportive surface that allows for long-term sitting and pressure redistribution, adjusting to the patient’s body pressure throughout the day. These straps are integrated into the frames of all of Broda’s chairs, and they can be adjusted to accommodate musculoskeletal conditions such as kyphosis, lordosis, and contracture.
3. Infinitely Adjustable Seat Tilt and Back Recline
The unlimited tilt and recline potential of Broda’s chairs provides comfort and pressure redistribution. It also helps prevent falls by making it easier for patients to adjust their position on the fly. Our chairs give caregivers better access to patients and make it possible to frequently reposition patients, leading to increased comfort and sitting tolerance.
4. Versatile and Adaptable Features
Patients can use Broda’s chairs at the dining table for meals or as a recliner for a nap. Our chairs accommodate a variety of needs throughout the day. Each seat’s shoulder bolsters, armrest height, and leg rest height and length are all adjustable, giving users options to accomplish whatever they need.
Broda’s chairs also have swing-away, removable armrests. That might seem like a small detail, but it makes it easier for patients to use slide transfers and Hoyer lifts. Patients who are able to participate in their own care can easily use a slide board to transfer to and from one of our chairs or to safely complete their daily activities from an upright position.
5. Durable and Safe Frame Construction
Our chairs have legendary durability, with many still in use decades after purchase. In fact, Broda’s products boast an industry-leading seven-year warranty on our 16-gauge steel frame. Combined with our Comfort Tension Seating® technology, our chairs and wheelchairs provide the stability that reduces the risk of falls and patient injuries.
Broda’s dynamic seating options enable patient movements throughout the day instead of locking patients into rigid positions. The overall functionality of our chairs and wheelchairs results in forgiving seating that gives patients more mobility while reducing safety risks.
From the tall backs and shoulder bolsters to removable side panels and reclining options, Broda’s chairs accommodate patients’ asymmetries and postures, keeping patients comfortable and supported at all times. Still not convinced? Contact us to see whether Broda’s unique approach to seating could be the cure for what ails you, your loved one or patient.
