What is a Geri Chair Used For?

In hospitals, dialysis centers and long term care facilities, clinicians often need to keep patients seated comfortably for extended periods while still allowing safe movement. Geriatric chairs (often shortened to Geri chairs) provide semi specialized seating designed for older adults or patients with limited mobility. A blog by Accora describes a Geri chair as a semi specialized seating device that reclines, has an elevated leg rest, uses wipe clean materials and has wheels so staff can transport residents around a care facility. Unlike hospital wheelchairs, which prioritize mobility and postural support, Geri chairs look more like standard recliners and are used when patients need to remain seated for long periods, such as during dialysis or infusion sessions.

This article examines how health care providers can use Geri chairs effectively, outlines their benefits and limitations and explains how Angelus Medical can help your facility select high quality recliners and complementary equipment.

What Is a Geri Chair?

A Geri chair is a reclining chair mounted on wheels that allows clinicians to transport a patient while keeping them seated comfortably. Key design features include:

• Multiple Positions - Geri chairs typically recline to several positions (upright, TV watching, full recline and Trendelenburg) and include elevating leg rests. This versatility helps staff reposition a patient without transferring them.
  
• Comfortable, Non Clinical Appearance - Many chairs are extra roomy and padded with deep reclining capability so that patients feel like they are in a living room recliner rather than clinical equipment. Some models have fold down trays for meals or reading.
  
• Easy to Clean - Seat and back cushions are upholstered in wipeable moisture barrier materials, which supports infection control protocols.
  
• Mobility - Large wheels and rear push bars allow caregivers to move the chair between rooms without requiring the patient to stand up.
  

Geri chairs are sometimes called medical recliners or clinical care chairs. They are different from wheelchairs in that the primary goal is comfort and positioning rather than independent mobility. Patients who can propel a wheelchair or require rigid postural support often need more structured seating, whereas Geri chairs serve patients who have limited mobility or are recovering from surgery or illness.

Typical Uses

Dialysis, Oncology and Infusion Treatments

Dialysis and infusion centers require patients to remain seated for several hours. A product listing for a clinical care recliner notes that it can be set in four positions (upright, TV, full recline and Trendelenburg) and is ideal for use in dialysis, blood collection, respiratory and cardiac care. Vitality Medical’s guide echoes this point: Geri chairs are popular in dialysis and oncology units where blood is drawn or medication is infused because they offer a comfortable, home like environment and deep reclining capabilities. Angelus Medical’s selection of Champion 66P Clinical Recliner - Ideal for infusion and dialysis and Invacare Deluxe 3 Position Recliner offers padded seating and adjustable positions to support these procedures.

Long Term Care and Nursing Homes

In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, residents who cannot transfer into a wheelchair but still need to participate in social activities benefit from Geri chairs. Accora notes that these chairs are designed for older adults and are commonly used in nursing homes and healthcare settings. The Champion Ascent Clinical Recliner and IOA Eva Sleeper Mobile Clinical Recliner on our site have smooth rolling casters and easy to clean upholstery to streamline patient room changes and housekeeping tasks.

Short Term Recovery and Post Surgery

Patients recovering from surgery or illnesses such as pneumonia often need to sit upright to reduce risk of aspiration and improve lung expansion. Geri chairs allow clinicians to recline patients gradually or elevate the footrest while maintaining support. For example, the Champion 86P Bariatric Clinical Recliner offers extended weight capacity and deeper cushioning for larger patients undergoing recovery.

Observation and Cardiac/Respiratory Monitoring

Geri chairs with Trendelenburg positioning can facilitate cardiac or respiratory monitoring. A clinical recliner listing states that the chair is suitable for respiratory and cardiac care because clinicians can quickly transition a patient into a head down position during emergencies. Our Hill Rom Transtar Stretcher P8000 and MTI 440L Power Surgery Chair have similar emergency positioning features for facilities that require both transportation and recovery capabilities.

Mobility in Clinics

Some clinics use Geri chairs to transport patients within the facility rather than using stretchers or wheelchairs. The chairs’ casters and push bars make it easier for staff to move patients from exam rooms to imaging suites. Angelus Medical offers Barton Convertible Chairs that convert from chair to stretcher for seamless transfers, and our Stryker Prime Series Zoom Stretcher provides motorized drive systems and large wheels to transport heavier patients with minimal strain.

Benefits of Using Geri Chairs

Enhancing Patient Comfort

Patient comfort is the primary reason many facilities invest in Geri chairs. Vitality Medical points out that these recliners offer a home like feel with padded seating and deep reclining capability, helping patients feel at ease during prolonged treatments. By reducing discomfort, clinicians can encourage longer treatment adherence and minimize agitation. Angelus Medical’s Invacare Deluxe 3 Position Recliner and Champion Ascent models both include plush cushions and adjustable back angles for personalized comfort.

Supporting Moderate Mobility

Geri chairs allow caregivers to transport patients who cannot safely stand or walk. The chairs’ wheels and push handles reduce staff strain when moving individuals between rooms. For example, the Stryker 1105 Prime Series Gurney incorporates a motorized drive system, ergonomic handles and large wheels that nearly eliminate manual pushing. For facilities needing higher transport versatility, the Stryker 1501 Stretcher Gurney provides smooth maneuverability and multiple position options.

Reducing Transfers and Falls

By letting staff recline or elevate a patient without transferring them to a bed, Geri chairs can reduce the risk of falls during repositioning. Keeping patients in the same chair for transport, rest and treatment minimizes handling and maintains dignity. However, it is important to choose chairs that provide adequate support; Broda Seating warns that basic Geri chairs have limited postural support and offer only fixed reclining positions. Prolonged recline without repositioning can lead to skin shear and pressure injuries.

Streamlining Caregiver Workflow

Geri chairs with trays and side tables allow patients to eat, read or use devices during treatments. This reduces the need for additional furniture in crowded clinical spaces. Our Barton Convertible Chair features a built in tray and folds into a flat stretcher, saving space and staff time. Additionally, advanced stretchers like the Stryker Prime Series Zoom include patient controls so individuals can adjust their own position without nursing assistance.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite their advantages, Geri chairs are not appropriate for every patient or situation:

• Limited Positioning and Support - Broda Seating notes that Geri chairs typically provide limited recline options and lack adjustable components to support proper posture. They are essentially recliners on wheels and may not accommodate patients with complex positioning needs.
  
• Risk of Pressure Injuries - Because the cushions are not designed for pressure redistribution, clinicians often add pillows or pads, which can cause shearing and increase pressure injury risk. Treating pressure injuries can cost thousands of dollars; therefore facilities should weigh the cost of high quality positioning chairs versus potential wound care expenses.
  
• Social Isolation and Physical Inactivity - Broda Seating points out that when patients spend long hours reclined, they lose opportunities for ambulation and social interaction. Facilities should encourage regular repositioning and physical therapy.
  

These limitations underscore why many hospitals supplement Geri chairs with properly fitted wheelchairs, stretchers and adjustable procedure chairs. Angelus Medical offers specialized equipment like Stryker 1089 Eye Surgery Stretcher for ophthalmic procedures and Hill Rom Transtar Stretcher for general patient transport to ensure a balanced mix of seating solutions.

Choosing the Right Geri Chair

When selecting a Geri chair for your facility, consider the following:

• Patient Population - Determine whether most users will be short term surgical patients, dialysis/infusion patients, bariatric patients or long term residents. For bariatric care, choose chairs with higher weight capacities and wider seats, such as our Champion 86P Bariatric Clinical Recliner.
  
• Adjustability and Support - Look for models that offer multiple recline positions and side tables. The IOA Eva Sleeper Mobile Clinical Recliner can fold into a sleeper sofa, providing extra versatility for family visits or overnight stays.
  
• Durability and Ease of Cleaning - High use chairs should have industrial casters and moisture resistant upholstery. Chairs like the Champion 66P use heavy duty vinyl and welded frames to withstand busy dialysis centers.
  
• Mobility versus Fixed Placement - In small clinics, a convertible stretcher chair such as the Barton Convertible Chair may provide better value than multiple pieces of equipment. For facilities that need to move patients across long hallways or to imaging suites, a motorized stretcher like the Stryker Prime Series Zoom or Stryker 1501 Stretcher may be more appropriate.
  
• Compliance and Warranty - Check for FDA clearance, fire retardant materials and available service plans. Angelus Medical provides refurbishment and certification on all used equipment and backs purchases with a 90 day parts and labor warranty. For questions about shipping or custom configurations, read our guide What Hospital Beds Are Really Called?, which explains different types of stretchers and transport beds, and contact us for tailored support.
  

Why Partner with Angelus Medical?

Angelus Medical is a U.S. based supplier specializing in high quality new and refurbished medical equipment. We partner with hospitals, dialysis centers and medical practices nationwide to deliver cost effective solutions from medical equipment for doctors to gurney beds and clinical recliners. Our team inspects, refurbishes and certifies each piece of equipment before it leaves our facility, ensuring reliable performance.

As a physician or healthcare administrator, you know that patient comfort and safety directly affect satisfaction scores and clinical outcomes. Geri chairs play a valuable role when used appropriately, but they should be part of a comprehensive equipment strategy that also includes procedural chairs, stretcher beds and positioning devices. Angelus Medical can guide you through selecting the right mix of seating and transport solutions to meet your operational goals and budget.

Conclusion

Geri chairs provide comfortable, transportable seating for patients who need to remain seated during treatments such as dialysis, blood draws or infusion therapy. They feature adjustable reclining positions, padded seating and wheels that allow caregivers to move patients without transfers. These chairs are widely used in long term care, dialysis and oncology centers because they offer a non clinical feel and reduce caregiver strain. However, facilities should be aware that basic Geri chairs offer limited postural support and may contribute to pressure injuries if patients are not repositioned regularly.

By evaluating patient needs, adjustability, durability and mobility requirements, healthcare administrators can select the right chair for each unit. Angelus Medical supplies a comprehensive range of clinical recliners, stretchers and transport chairs to help you deliver safe, comfortable care. To learn more about our products or to schedule a consultation, please visit our website or contact us directly.