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How To Make Sure You’re Buying The Right Lift Chair

We can’t help it. Most of us take our abilities to perform everyday tasks for granted. Getting up and out of bed, using the washroom to get ready for the day and preparing our breakfasts are part of our morning routines that we generally complete without even thinking about them. As we age, however, our daily tasks become more cumbersome. And some of the simplest things can become extremely difficult.

Getting in and out of a chair is one example. If you live with an elderly loved one or an individual with mobility issues, you may already be aware of how hard it can be for that person to safely and comfortably get seated and then rise up from that position. Help, however, is certainly available. For such individuals, lift chairs provide ideal solutions.

What is a lift chair?

Also known as a power lift chair or a power recliner, a lift chair lifts and lowers in order to help its user to get comfortably seated easily and to get up to a standing position once sit time is over. It’s important, however, to consider a few factors before buying a lift chair. There are many different options available. On Caregiver.com, Jeff Roth explains that there are a number of points that need to be considered when selecting your lift chair.

How many positions are there?

Roth considers this to be the most important feature to consider. He explains that lift chairs generally come in “2 Position”, “3 Position” or “Infinite Position” models. “Infinite position models have two motors to let the footrest move independent of the back portion,” writes Roth, “Those who want to sit upright, but also have the footrest up, will need this type of chair.”

He notes that because they only contain single motors, both the “2 Position” and “3 Position” models need backrests to recline in order to have the footrests slide out. However, to clarify, the two types of lift chairs do differ in that the “2 Position” reclines to an approximate 45 degree angle while the “3 Position” allows for a closer to full recline.

What is your body size?

The height and weight of a lift chair user come into play when selecting a model. Larger chairs have deeper seat cushions. Roth explains that if a chair is too big, a person’s legs may not be able to touch the floor when he/she is sitting straight up. A lift chair that is too small may cause discomfort of the lower back.

Pride Mobility‘s lift chairs are manufactured so that a petite chair is narrower whereas an extra tall lift chair is made wider. However, you can buy an extra wide chair even if it is a petite. These are ideal for individuals who are shorter than 5’2″.

Higher end models do allow for additional features that make the user more comfortable. They include power head tilts, power lumbar adjustments, head tilt adjustments and even side tables. Of key importance is the fact that you do have the option of having your lift chair customized to meet the specific needs of its user so that he/she is completely comfortable.

What type of coverings are available?

If you happen to be the type of person who perspires quite a bit, you may wish to avoid subtle vinyl coverings. Leather is no longer used. However, if a lift chair user has issues with incontinence, cloth materials aren’t the wisest of choices unless you choose to buy a pad to add to the seat.

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the different types of lift chairs that are available to you. We understand, of course, that there is a lot to understand about lift chairs in order to help you make the right buying decision. For example, it’s important to note that because lift chairs are medical devices, you are not charged GST if you have a health care professional’s prescription.

We consider it our mission to ensure that you select the lift chair that is perfect for your specific needs. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!

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