What Is a Lift Chair and How Does It Help?
You may be familiar with the concept of a lift chair or riser armchair but not exactly sure about its benefits. So what is a lift chair, and how can it help you and your family?
What Is a Lift Chair?
Lift chairs, also known as recliner lift chairs or two/three/infinite position recliners, are similar to a standard reclining chair but with additional features to help raise users from a seated to a standing position, and from a standing to a seated position. These features are invaluable for people who need assistance with sitting and standing due to advanced age, recent surgery, or mobility and strength issues.
How Do Lift Chairs Work?
Lift chairs have an electric lifting system with an actuator that pushes the chair forward and up, providing an optimal position from which to stand. To assist the user to sit down, the chair begins at an inclined position and lowers itself slowly once the user is safely on the seat. For both sitting and standing, the lifting system allows for a smooth, controlled, and safe transition.
What Features Do Power Lift Chairs Have?
All lift chairs lift the user to a standing position. However, depending on the model, the chair may have other features as well.
Footrest. Most lift chairs come with a footrest that lifts the legs into a horizontal position, providing relief for tired legs and feet.
Different positions. Some lift chair models allow the user to recline the backrest to different angles or even lay flat. The number of positions typically increases as you move from basic to advanced models.
Premium features. Advanced models typically offer additional features, such as heat and massage therapy, adjustable pillows, and lumbar support. Some of the lift chairs that we stock in our Denver, Colorado showroom have these features, so if shopping at our showroom, be sure to specify whether you want a lift chair that has these capabilities.
What Are the Different Types of Lift Chairs, and How Are They Different?
In the mobility retail market, you’ll find a wide range of lift chair models with a variety of different functions. However, most models will ultimately fall into one of the following three categories.
Two-Position Lift Chair
This chair reclines to a 45-degree angle, providing a comfortable position with raised legs to watch TV, read, or relax. This is the lift chair that most resembles a standard recliner.
Three-Position Lift Chair
Three-position lift chairs recline to an almost horizontal position, offering a more comfortable position for napping or sleeping.
Infinite Position Lift Chair
Infinite position lift chairs can recline 180 degrees with the back parallel to the floor or even further if the user wishes to raise their feet above their head. This lift chair is perfect for those who plan to use the chair as a bed or who will be using the chair for extended periods of time.
What Are the Main Advantages of a Lift Chair as Opposed to a Standard Recliner?
Lift chairs offer several advantages over standard recliners.
No Stiff or Uncomfortable Levers
The tilt function on a lift chair is triggered by a remote control attached to the chair, giving the user a means to operate it without struggling with the stiff levers that are often used on standard recliners.
Additional Therapeutic Benefits
Some adapted lift chairs go beyond sitting and standing support with add-ons like heat and massage. While these add-on features may be chosen simply for comfort, they can also offer therapeutic and medical benefits for those suffering from arthritis, painful joints, muscular problems, or pain caused by other medical conditions.
An Alternative to Adapted Bathtubs
Adapted bathtubs offer similar therapeutic benefits to lift chairs for people suffering from joint pain due to arthritis, old age, or other medical issues. However, they can be costly. Lift chairs with heat and massage features provide a more cost-effective alternative to custom bathtub modifications.
Opportunities for Customization
For those with a larger budget, top-end lift chairs can be created with custom dimensions, offering narrower or wider widths and different heights to cater to users who are especially tall or short. They also come in a range of premium fabrics, making it easier to match the lift chair with your current furnishings.
Life Chairs Offer Independence
Many people with limited mobility who live alone find the lift-chair system particularly useful because it allows them to live independently and with total mobility in their homes. Lift chairs take away the anxiety of sitting and standing, offering peace of mind whether you live alone or with others.
Who Are Lift Chairs For?
Lift chairs can help anyone suffering from mobility issues, stiff and sore joints, or those recovering from injuries or surgery.
Older People with Mobility Issues
Lift chairs are typically used by senior citizens who find sitting and standing difficult.
People Recovering from an Injury
Upper Body Injuries
Patients recovering from any upper-body surgery, broken arm bones, muscle tears, or back injuries may find getting up from a standard chair challenging.
Lower Body Injuries
A lift chair can assist the recovery process from a lower-body injury while avoiding putting unnecessary strain on the injured muscles or bones.
People Recovering from Cardiovascular or Open-Heart Surgery
Upon hospital discharge following major surgery, patients often have difficulties transferring out of a chair. Lift chairs remove the need for unnecessary movement or strain during the recuperation period while allowing the patient to recover in the comfort of their home.
People who Need a Temporary Bed due to Old Age or Illness
An infinite-position recliner can be extremely helpful in cases when people are required to sleep downstairs or close to a toilet. Infinite-position lift chairs offer a more comfortable and dignified alternative to bringing a standard bed downstairs. In some cases, hospital bed rental may be a more practical choice.
Buying or Renting a Lift Chair
A lift chair can be an excellent long-term investment. However, lift chair rental could be the best option for people whose needs are shorter-term, for example, younger people recovering from injury or surgery. In general, we recommend renting if the chair will be needed for less than 12 weeks and purchasing if it will be needed for 12 weeks or more.
An Excellent Gift for Elderly Relatives
A lift chair can be a life-changing gift for arthritis sufferers, elderly relatives, or anyone suffering from mobility issues. Because it is a significant investment, consider inviting members of the extended family to contribute toward the purchase cost.
A Lift Chair Could Change Your or a Loved One’s Life
If you or a loved one are finding that you struggle to get up and down from a regular armchair or will need to rest for a period of time, a lift chair can help you stay independent and mobile without putting undue pressure on your joints.
Thanks to the wide range of models and features available, you can easily find a lift chair that suits your specific needs, budget, home furnishings, and lifestyle. If in doubt, a mobility expert can assist you with the task of finding the lift chair that suits you, your home, and your lifestyle for an easier and more mobile future.