Using a Lift Chair to Increase Independence

Lift chairs are a special type of sitting chair that closely resemble a regular recliner, but unlike regular recliners, a lift chair actually makes it easier to stand up. This is as a result of a strong lifting arm that is in the chair’s base. The lifting arm, sometimes called a lifting mechanism, is capable of raising the chair slowly into the air. As the chair is raised, the occupant remains seated until the chair reaches its peak, at which point the chair can be safely exited in a near standing position.

Almost all components of today’s lift chairs are controlled electronically. Of course this includes the actual lifting system, but the backrest and footrest are also operated electronically. This greatly improves the comfort of the chair and the ease at which a sleeping or reading position is found. Unlike a traditional recliner, whose backrest moves at the slightest change in body possession, finding and keeping a position that is comfortable and ergonomic is very easy.

While no matter the chair, finding a comfortable sitting position is much easier in a lift chair, the degree to which the lift chair reclines will vary by model. Generally there are three categories that are used to describe lift chairs. These three categories describe how far back the lift chair can recline.

A three position lift chair is perhaps the most common. The backrest reclines nearly horizontally, to make it an excellent choice for sleeping, reading, or watching television.

Another type of chair, called an infinite position lift chair, reclines as far if not slightly farther than a 3-position lift chair, but the footrest is capable of moving independently. In other types of lift chairs, the footrest moves in conjunction with the backrest, but infinite position lift chairs allow these two components to be moved separately. This makes them much more customizable.

The other type of lift chair is the two position lift chair. These chairs are capable of reclining about 45 degrees, so while not great for sleeping, they are perfect for watching television or reading a book.

It should be noted that no matter what the type of chair, 3 position, infinite position, or 2 position, the backrest is not limited to only two or three positions. Instead an electric powered lift chair can be stopped at any point up until it reaches its maximum.

Lift chairs are a great device for those who are not able to stand easily or without help. They can make the living room a much safer and easier to use place.