Lift Chair Safety Concerns

For seniors, standing and sitting often becomes very difficult. This can sometimes be the result of arthritis, which is a joint disorder that can make bending the knees painful. Usually low chairs, like recliners and couches, are most difficult to get out of, so a lot of seniors use lift chairs in their living room.

A lift chair is a special type of sitting chair that typically offers all of the functionality of a regular recliner, but it also raises into the air to make it easier to stand up. The base of the chair contains a strong lifting system, which will slowly raise the entire chair up into the air. When raised, the angle of the seat is such that exiting the chair can be done easily. Once raised, these chairs can subsequently be used to allow an individual to safely sit in a completely controlled manner.

It is important to note that the chair does not rise straight up vertically the air, nor does it move at a rapid or jerky pace. Instead, it slowly and steadily moves upwards. When the chair is completely raised, it is possible to remain seated, so there is no fear of falling out of the chair. However, it is extremely important that the chair is designed to fit your body type.

Height Requirements

If the lift chair is designed for someone that is much taller than the occupant, it will subsequently lift the individual much too high. As a result, when the chair is raised their body would not be at a safe position. For this reason, adhering to the chairs stated height limit is crucial. The chair will provide a height range, so make certain the occupant falls into this category.

Weight Requirements

Adhering to the weight capacity of the chair is also very important. This can be a safety concern, but it can also damage the chair. If the weight capacity is exceeded, the motor will likely burn out, which will cause the chair to stop working.

Putting it Together

Luckily, there are lift chairs designed for people of all sizes and heights. Most are designed to support around 300 pounds, but there are models that support more than 700 pounds. There are also lift chairs available to accommodate people of all heights. From under 5 feet to well over 6 feet, there is a lift chair available for everyone. These specifications, as well as the lift chairs measurements will be clearly posted on the distributors website, but you can usually also simply call them up and talk to someone, who will be able to point you in the right direction.