How to Pick the Right Lift Chair for Elderly People
Choosing the perfect lift chair for elderly relatives or even for yourself can be a confusing process when there are so many different options to choose from. Though lift chair features vary, the best lift chairs are the ones that suit your personal circumstances the best.
The right lift chair can make your life at home easier and more comfortable as you grow older. As you start looking for a lift chair, taking certain factors into account will help to make the decision more straightforward.
The Type of Lift Chair
When choosing between the different types of recliner lift chairs, your personal needs and circumstances must be taken into account. A lift chair is not a one-size-fits-all device and, depending on your age, mobility level, and any disabilities or therapeutic needs you may have, one type of lift chair will be much more suited to you than others.
Your budget must also be taken into account when choosing a lift chair. Some models come with premium features that, though appealing, may not fit your budget. More economical options can also provide a comfortable experience even if they don’t come with all the gadgets and features of a premium chair.
Two-Position Lift Chairs
A two-position lift chair is one that reclines several inches as the footrest rises. The back of the chair reclines to a 45° angle and can also sit up straight. The chair can also be reclined to any angle between the straight and reclined positions.
Who Should Get a Two-Position Lift Chair?
Our Denver, Colorado experts recommend a two-position lift chair for people with limited mobility and for elderly people with balance problems or weakened muscles who struggle to stand from a sitting position without help. If you need a lift chair for resting, reading, or watching TV, a two-position lift chair is ideal.
Three-Position Lift Chairs
A three-position lift chair allows the user to recline their chair from a seated position to a TV-watching angle (like the two-position lift chair), and also to a full recline for sleeping.
Who Is a Three-Position Lift Chair For?
People who plan to sleep or nap in their chair should consider a three-position lift chair rather than a two-position chair. Some three-position lift chairs also come with therapeutic features designed to improve circulation, or decrease pain caused by arthritis, so this is another consideration when choosing between the main lift chair types.
Infinite-Position Chairs
An infinite-position chair has two motors that give the user total control over the position of the chair back as well as the leg rest. The chair lift recliner can be lowered to a flat position, or even raise the legs above the head.
Who Is an Infinite-Position Lift Chair For?
An infinite-position lift chair is ideal for:
Elderly or disabled people who sleep downstairs and want to use their chair as a bed
People who need more therapeutic features to help with circulation, to release tension in their lower extremities, or power lumbar support
Those who want a more advanced chair with features such as USB ports, massage therapy, and different color and furniture style options
The Fit and Size of the Lift Chair
Your lift chair must be well adapted to your specifications to ensure your comfort while sitting, lying down, and standing.
The chair must be the right height for the user. Too tall and their feet won't reach the floor when it's lifted; too short and the lumbar region won't be well supported.
The chair must be the right width for the user. Power lift recliners come in large, medium, and small, depending on the width you need.
The chair must have the right weight capacity for the user. Heavy-duty chairs cater to bariatric users, offering weight capacities of up to 700 lbs.
The Amount of Space that You Have in Your Home
Lift chairs are bigger and need more space than a regular armchair, especially ones that recline to an angle of 180°.
When calculating how much space you’ll need, keep in mind that:
Space is required both in front of and behind the chair to allow the backrest to recline, and for the user to come up to a standing position.
For smaller homes, consider a wall hugger chair, which adapts to rooms with limited space. These chairs slide outwards as the user reclines, meaning that less room is needed behind the chair. This option is only available in two or three-position lift chairs.
Before buying a lift chair, measure the space in your home well, making sure there is enough room for the chair to fully recline. You can check the dimensions of the chair in the specifications of the model on the retailer’s website.
Material of the Lift Chair
Depending on your taste, physical requirements, and budget, you can find lift chairs with different fabrics and patterns that fit seamlessly into your current home decor.
While fabrics and patterns are often aesthetic choices, there are also some practical considerations to take into account:
Customized fabrics or prints will take longer to manufacture.
Light-colored materials may get dirty quicker than dark-colored materials.
Leather, while easy to clean, can be slippery in an upright position and may not be the best option for homes in very hot climates, or for people who sweat a lot.
Therapeutic and Practical Features
Some features may be essential in a lift chair if the user desires these for health or practical reasons.
Heated seats and massage can help with aching joints and muscles.
Cup holders allow users with limited mobility to stay hydrated without leaving their seat.
A lift chair table is a convenient option for people who want to eat in their chair or who need a work surface that they can use while sitting in the chair.
The Right Lift Chair Can Be a Solution for Comfort as Well as Mobility
Investing in a lift chair is a wise decision not only for people who have trouble standing up and sitting down but also for those looking for other health benefits that will prolong their independence at home. The benefits of massage to relieve pain, increase circulation, and help people relax are clear and can be enjoyed every day with a top-of-the-line lift chair.
Seniors looking for the best lift chairs should consider visiting a specialized mobility retail showroom where a customer service representative can explain the benefits and features of each chair and allow you to try out a few different lift chairs. This will help you to choose the chair that best suits your budget and needs.