Why Use a Lift Chair?

Seniors are one of the most common age groups to have difficulty when it comes to getting into or out of a traditional sitting chair. However, there are many other diseases and conditions, such as arthritis, that affect people of all ages and can make it difficult to stand up independently. Since having a personal care worker 24/7 is not always an option, using some of the different types of home medical equipment, such as lift chairs, is often the best and quickest means of ensuring full mobility around the home.

Lift chairs are one type of device that is designed to address the issue of not being able to safely and easily stand or sit. While there are actually a few different designs of lift recliners, as well as a number of different manufacturers, they all operate in a similar manner.

How Lift Chairs Work

While at rest, the user can sit in the lift chair in the same manner they would a traditional recliner. The backrest can be lowered and footrest extended, offering a comfortable way to relax in front of the television or take a nap. In this way, lift chairs are very much like the normal sitting chair found in living rooms across the country, although unlike most regular chairs these actions are controlled electronically.

However, where lift chairs begin to differentiate is when it comes time to stand up. An electric motor pushes the chairs base upwards, angling the seat so that the user can exit easily in an upright standing position. The chair will usually utilize a small remote control that is tethered to the chairs base to raise and lower the lift recliner. Once the chair has been raised, it is significantly easier for the user to get into and out of it, without assistance.

Of course, since most of those who use lift chairs are mobility challenged, it is common to have something like a rollator, which is a rolling walker, available while transitioning from sitting to standing. Rollators have a built in braking system, allowing the wheels to be locked in place, as well as sturdy hand-holds. The rollator can be moved in front of the lift chair when it is time to stand, providing a safe hand hold for the user to grasp as they stand. Together, in conjunction with a lift chair, a rollator can provide safe transit around the home.

Choosing the Right Lift Chair

While the majority of lift chairs operate similarly and often share a number of the same design elements, it can be a little confusing when you go shopping for them, because there are so many different types and styles, as well as multiple manufacturers. For instance Pride Mobility, a leading manufacturer of home medical equipment has a number of different lift chair lines, like their Classic Collection and Heritage Collection.

It is a good idea to spend some time figuring out your requirements, which include determining the weight and height of the rider, as well as where in the home the lift chair will be used. Once you know these details, you can begin selecting a lift recliner that will adequately fit your needs, while also meeting your budget. We offer a number of resources, including reviews of many popular lift chairs, so please explore our site some to learn more about these medical devices.