With Alzheimer's, the chair often changes with the stage: a rocking pedal chair the person can move with their feet, then full positioning when more support is needed.
Restlessness and pacing are common as Alzheimer's advances, and sitting still can be hard for your mother. Broda's pedal chairs let her push herself along with her feet, and some models add a gentle rocking motion. Broda designs the rocking to feel like an ordinary porch rocker. Because it is built into her everyday wheelchair, she can rock after lunch without being moved to another seat.
Each transfer can be confusing for someone with Alzheimer's, and each one carries some risk of a stumble. A single chair that works for meals, activities and an afternoon rest means your mother is moved less often. Broda's arm and leg supports swing aside when a move is needed, and tilt lets her lean back and doze without a trip to the bed.
Alzheimer's moves at a different pace for each person, and seating needs usually grow over time. Early on, a pedal chair may be all your mother needs. Later she may sit most of the day and need deep tilt and recline. A seat that pivots at the front during tilt keeps her eyes level with the room, so she can still see faces and activity around her.
Prices are Broda's MSRP for the base chair. Size, options and accessories change the final price.
From $3,194.94MSRP
Broda designs the Encore for people who still want to move: a low seat, 12.5 to 19 inches from the floor, for pushing with the feet, optional rocking for restless afternoons, and up to 18 degrees of tilt.
From $2,602.47MSRP
Close to the Encore, with rocking included and deeper tilt, up to 33 degrees. A good match if your mother pedals around the house but needs a more reclined rest position in between. Rated to 250 lb.
From $3,620.58MSRP
For later stages, when she sits most of the day. The Midline tilts to 38 degrees and reclines to 90, and its seat pivots at the front so her view of people and activity stays level as she tilts.
An occupational therapist or ATP (assistive technology professional) can assess your mother in the chair and set it up for her current stage. For a pedal chair, the key measurement is from the floor to the back of the knee, so her heels rest flat while seated. Try the chair with a familiar caregiver beside her, since new things can be unsettling. Over the first weeks, watch for sliding, leaning or repeated attempts to stand, and ask for a recheck when walking or alertness changes.
Many families pay privately. Insurance or a public program may help when a doctor, therapist or ATP documents why the person needs the chair. Whether it is covered depends on the plan. Our written quote lists the exact model and options, so it can go straight into that paperwork. Facilities, care organizations and multi-unit buyers can ask us about partner pricing.
There is no fixed point. Families often begin looking when walking becomes unsteady, short outings leave the person worn out, or a fall has happened. Her doctor or therapist can help you judge timing. A chair she can move with her own feet is one gentle way to start.
Broda builds the rocking into a steel wheelchair frame that also tilts, so the motion stays within the chair's set range. A therapist should still watch your mother sit, rock and get up before you rely on it. Everyone who cares for her should learn how the controls work.
Broda makes its cushions and chair parts fluid-resistant, so spills and accidents can be wiped off the surface. Each chair's owner's manual includes cleaning steps for that model. Following them helps the fabric and finish last, which matters for a chair your mother may use for years.
This guide is general product information, not medical advice. Chair features are described as Broda designs them. Choose seating together with the person's doctor, therapist or ATP.
Product photos © Broda Seating, used with permission. Broda® and model names are trademarks of their owner.
Call with the person's diagnosis, height and weight, and where they will sit most of the day. We will tell you which Broda chairs fit and send a written quote.
