Positioning Terms for Broda Chairs

Published: 19 August 2008

Seat Tilt

Seat tilt or “tilt-in-space” re-orients the person’s body relative to the ground, but the angle of the torso, hips, thighs and calves remain constant relative to each other.

The seat tilt on Broda chairs is infinitely adjustable, meaning the seat tilt can be positioned anywhere between 0 degrees and the maximum degrees available for the particular chair, to achieve the desired position for the resident.

Seat tilt helps prevent the resident from slumping forward or sliding out of the chair, as it cradles the resident, keeping them comfortable and properly positioned without the use of restraints. It also aids in pressure relief, as it helps to distribute the persons’ weight across multiple points of the body. It is also ideal in helping to prevent falls.

Using seat tilt can also change the residents’ line of vision, as it positions the resident’s body to lean back n the chair, allowing them to face outward, rather than downwards, if in a slumped position. This allows the individual to interact with their surroundings.

The seat tilt is operated by the caregiver. To use the seat tilt, it is best to have at least 75 lbs in the chair, as this makes it easier to tilt the chair. It may also be helpful to recline the chair slightly, before tilting it, as this lowers the back giving the caregiver more leverage for tilting. It is also important to reposition the seat tilt every 2 hours, to help relieve pressure on the resident. (For additional Seat Tilt instructions, see User Manual.)

Back Recline

Back recline re-orients the person to open the angle of the hips. The back lowers, while the seat remains constant to the floor.

The back recline on Broda chairs is infinitely adjustable, meaning the back recline can be positioned anywhere between 0 degrees and the maximum degrees available for the particular chair, to achieve the desired position for the resident.

Back recline helps prevent the resident from slumping forward in the chair, and also aids in comfort and pressure relief, by distributing the persons’ weight across multiple points of the body. Used in conjunction with the seat tilt feature, it is very effective for helping to prevent sliding and falls without the use of restraints. Back recline allows the resident to take a nap while in the chair, which reduces the need for transfers.

The model 785 has a full back recline of 180 degrees which aids in changing incontinence products, as well as aiding in side transfers.
The back recline is operated by the caregiver. When reclining the chair, it may be useful to have the seat tilted also, to prevent the resident from sliding in the chair. It is important to reposition the back recline every 2 hours to help relieve pressure on the resident. (For additional instructions, see User Manual)