Wheelchairs

Have you heard of a geri chair? Designed for individuals with mobility challenges, geri chairs (also known as geriatric chairs or jerry chairs) offer a comfortable and supportive wheeled seating solution beyond typical wheelchairs and recliners. Depending on you or a loved one's needs, they can offer the perfect balance of mobility and relaxation.

Here, we'll explore what a geriatric chair is, different types of geri chairs, and what features to consider when shopping for the perfect chair for your lifestyle. 

A geri chair, often referred to as a medical recliner, blends the advantages of recliners and wheelchairs. These chairs prioritize comfort and support, featuring adjustable backrests, footrests, armrests, and head supports. Integrated wheels make it a breeze to move users between rooms or through hallways, without transferring to a lift or wheelchair.

While a conventional wheelchair is primarily designed for mobility (getting you from point A to B), a geri chair can also offer adjustable comfort for extended periods of time.

For those who spend significant periods of time sitting, geri recliners can offer a comfortable and mobile solution to dramatically improve quality of day-to-day life. They can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty sitting upright for extended periods or require specialized positioning options for specific medical conditions.

Certain geri chair designs, such as tilt-in-space and 4-position medical recliners, are ideal for sleeping: they can fold out into a flat surface, easing pressure points and enhancing circulation.

Research even shows that the gentle rocking motion provided by gliding geri chairs can enhance psychological and emotional health in nursing home residents, potentially reducing new or increased episodes of agitation or distress.

Geri chairs come in range of designs, each offering different features and benefits. Here, we’ll go over some of the most popular models. 

One popular type of reclining geri chair is the 3-position geriatric chair, which comes with three distinct position options - upright sitting, sitting with legs elevated, and full recline. These chairs also feature a padded seat and a wheeled base for easy transportability.

For extra adjustability, the 4-position geri chair also allows for an intermediate recline position between upright sitting and full recline.

3-Position and 4-Position Geri Chairs

Tilt-in-Space Geri Chairs

Tilt-in-space geri chairs are specifically designed for limited-mobility individuals who require frequent repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers. These high quality geri chairs provide relief through weight redistribution. By doing so, they effectively improve the patient’s sitting tolerance, allowing users to sit comfortably for extended periods.

Tilt-in-space Geri chairs can be adjusted to various angles to maximize comfort and well-being, an ideal choice for those with specific postural or pressure needs.

Sizing and Adjustability

In addition to choosing between 3-position, 4-position, tilt-in-space, or other models of geri chair recliners, it's important to consider size. Chairs come in different sizes, and many offer adjustable features such as seat depth and width. For care centers or nursing homes, adjustable widths can ensure the geri chair comfortably fits a wide range of users. 

Most geri chairs support a weight capacity of at least 250lbs, with some heavy duty models accommodating users of up to 700lbs.

Accessories and Add-Ons

Accessories and add-ons, such as headrests, armrests, footrests, and trays, can make all the difference in daily comforts and quality of life. Relax with a comfortable neck support, use a tray table for crafts, or add an extra layer of security with a safety belt.

Other Features

Aside from sizing, adjustability, and accessories, there are other features to consider when choosing a geri chair. These may include ease of cleaning, power vs. manual operation, heat and massage options, and compatibility with mechanical lifts.

For example, a power-operated Geri chair may offer greater convenience for individuals with limited mobility, while heat and massage options can help improve circulation and reduce aches and pains. 

Geri chairs can elevate everyday life for you and a loved one, offering a wheeled, ultra-supportive, highly customizable seating option that's designed to keep users comfortable for hours. Far more than a traditional wheelchair or recliner, these all-in-one chairs can provide the best of both worlds for anyone with mobility limitations. 

Medicare Part B typically covers DME that is medically necessary for individuals at home. This includes mobility equipment like manual/power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, rollators, and more.

In all cases, the mobility equipment must be prescribed by a healthcare provider, approved via prior authorization, and the patient must be able to use the device at home. The exact coverage and out-of-pocket costs can vary widely, so it's important to confirm specifics with Medicare or a range for a wheelchair or mobility scooter healthcare provider.

Medicare Part B often covers a manual wheelchair or power wheelchair if you have a health condition that limits mobility, and if other aids like canes or walkers are insufficient. You must be able to safely operate the wheelchair or have someone who can.

To get Medicare to pay for a wheelchair, your healthcare provider must first document your need for a wheelchair in your medical record. Your doctor can then submit an order to Medicare for the wheelchair, which includes diagnosis, prognosis, functional limitations, and other reasons why the equipment is necessary. This order will be sent to a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider that accepts Medicare.

If approved, you'll be notified and can receive your new wheelchair! Medicare Part B partially covers both manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs, but you'll likely still pay at least 20% of the cost.

Please note that some models of wheelchair or scooter require prior authorization before purchase. Make sure to check in about medical coverage prior to purchasing a mobility device.

Yes! Like wheelchairs, Medicare can help pay for mobility power scooters if they are deemed medically necessary.

To meet scooter benefit approval, users must be strong enough to get in/out of the scooter independently, as well as sit up and operate the controls. If not, a power wheelchair may be a better option.

However, it's important to note that Medicare will only approve prior authorization for scooters that can navigate inside of your home. Outdoor-only scooters will likely be deemed unnecessary and not approved. Medicare operates on a least costly alternative principle, so if a less expensive solution like a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair can meet the beneficiary's needs, a scooter claim could be denied.

Often, you can choose to either buy or rent equipment through Medicare. 

When you buy, Medicare will cover the cost of the approved amount (usually 80%) after you've met your Part B deductible. The main advantage of buying is that you’re able to own the wheelchair or scooter permanently. However, the upfront costs can be higher, and you'll be responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Renting from Medicare can have lower upfront costs. Medicare will initially rent the equipment to you for a trial period, during which time it covers rental and maintenance costs. 

Commonly, Medicare will rent initially rent equipment for a trial period of 13 months, during which you'll pay a monthly 20% coinsurance fee. After 13 months, ownership can be transferred directly to you.

Are you the culinary mastermind behind your family’s annual holiday meals? Does your family crave your famous turkey seasoning or your legendary stuffing recipe? While there are many mentally and emotionally challenging aspects to being in a wheelchair, the loss of independence in the kitchen may be one of the most difficult. That’s especially true around the holidays for those who enjoy being the family chef.