Geri chair

[Faye Jones]

Just a few follow up comments r/t Geri chairs: 1)       We also have very few Geri chairs of any kind at our facility.  Our rehab dept is very anti Geri chairs explaining to us that due to the high backs and reclining they tend to promote decreased muscle strength in the upper torso/neck leading to premature loss of function and more complex positioning issues.  At present I can only think of one resident with very advanced MS who uses one.  We have a large variety of w/c and associated devices, lap trays/buddies etc. and I must admit it has turned out to be a better way to go. 2)       Trays-even for some residents with limited mobility trays can be appropriate to enable proper positioning of arms/shoulders and upper torsos. 3)       Orders for Geri chairs-I imagine policies vary from facility to facility.  For us personally, we got cited 2 years in a row for restraints and the second year it was r/t devices we did not identify as restraints but as positioning devices.  It was difficult for us to totally grasp the survey team’s very complex concept.  However, we did get it (no problems last survey) and we have chose to write orders for positioning devices like Geri chairs/seat belts/velcro shoulder harnesses etc to clarify intent, prove we assessed effect on resident and ensure proper care is being done.  Our administrator does not like to see the same citation 2 years in a row!!!!!!!