While having a safe and comfortable chair to watch the afternoon news or speak to the family is important for everyone, for seniors, this is crucial. Being able to comfortably sit down and then stand back up is also important. However, for almost half of Australians over 75 years old who have a disability, and for 1 in 7 Australians have arthritis, this can be difficult in a regular chair.
Electric lift chairs for the elderly can provide a comfortable, safe, and effective solution. These chairs provide additional support to move from a seated position to a standing position independently.
Also known as medical recliner chairs, electric lift chairs, or power lift chairs, lift chairs for the elderly chairs tilt forwards to make standing up from a seated position easier. They also reduce the risk of strains and injuries during this process. If someone has a carer, having a lift chair for the elderly minimizes the risk of strains and injuries for that carer.
Lift chairs are special electric chairs that make it easier for the user to stand up. Specifically, these chairs allow the user to bend down before standing up enabling them to use the chair as leverage. Throughout this process, their feet stay planted firmly on the floor for stability.
In addition to the main tilt feature, these chairs also allow seniors to elevate their legs while sitting. This increases blood flow and therefore reduces swelling in the lower legs.
There are two main types of lift chairs for the elderly:
Single Motor Recliner Lift Chairs
As their name suggests, single motor chairs have one motor which powers both the back and footrest at the same time. This means when the backrest is reclined the footrest rises automatically. Single motor mobility chairs are usually cheaper than 2 motor models and this could be reason enough to buy one. However, single motor models have limited movement options which make them unsuitable for some conditions such as arthritis.
Dual Motor Recliner Lift Chairs
With dual motor recliner chairs, two or more motors are used to power the back and footrest independently. Some models have a third motor to power the riser function which tips the seat base forward allowing the occupant to stand up.
These chairs provide many more adjustment options which may be necessary, especially if you wish to lay flat,or are in an accute pain mamnangement setting.
Some models of lift chairs have additional features that can benefit the user including massage capabilities, heat settings, adjustable headrests, or adjustable lumbar support. Other lift chairs in Melbourne have vibrating seats, speed variations, and even cup holders. These allow seniors to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while sitting in them.
Lift chairs are helpful for people with a range of different illnesses and injuries. They are specifically designed for people with conditions such as:
It is a good idea to check with a doctor about which lift chair to purchase or rent. Your health care provider can also give you specific exercises to do from the chair. These can assist with the path to recovery or pain reduction.
Lift chairs come in a variety of sizes and styles. Choosing a chair that is suited to a person’s body size and weight is important. For example, it is important to sit comfortably while resting one’s arms on the armrests. Similarly, legs should be able to relax at a 90-degree angle with the person’s feet resting flat on the floor to maintain proper posture.
Regular recliners need to fit a variety of body types. However, a lift chair for the elderly is purchased as a mobility aid for one person. Therefore, it should fit their body size perfectly.
Lift chairs in Australia should also be comfortable and have the right amount of padding supporting the right places.
Fabric is also something that should be considered when purchasing an electric lift chair for the elderly. The best fabric to choose will depend on the individual needs of the person. If warmth and comfort are the most important, then a comfortable and soft fabric would be the right choice. However, if the user sweats a lot or is prone to incontinence, then leather is a more suitable option.
The amount of space that is available for the chair will also impact the type of chair to purchase. Space saver chairs require less space behind the chair when reclining and work well in a small room. If the user uses a wheelchair or walking aid, there should be enough space for the device next to the lift chair to enable easier transfers.
Finally, there should be a power point nearby to plug in the chair. This will ensure that the cord does not become a tripping hazard which could cause more serious injuries.
Statewide Home Health Care has a variety of lift chairs for you to choose from. Our KCare AirComfort Electric Recliner lift chair is the most popular lift chair for the elderly. It is a dual motor lift chair that helps people move from a sitting to a standing position.
It relieves the pressure with its unique air comfort seating system. Furthermore, its removable back and seat cushions ensure it is the right fit. Its mechanism allows for electrical lifting and reclining. Of course, it is also easy to operate.
Some other benefits that make this lift chair for the elderly highly recommended are:
As another featured product, the Shell Chair is a portable lift chair. This makes it ideal for a healthcare facility or an aged care environment. The chair design allows users to comfortably use it while doing other things such as eating or playing games.
It is lightweight and easy to maneuver with adjustable seat height, ergonomic leg rest and lumbar support. Additional and unique features include a storage pocket as well as removable seat cushions.
Purchasing a lift chair can be overwhelming if you are unsure of choosing the most suitable lift chair for you or your loved one. Therefore, we offer several different options to help you learn more about the different lift chairs for the elderly and feel comfortable with your choice before purchasing a lift chair in Australia.
These options include:
Finally, since we are a registered NDIS provider, you may be eligible to receive financial support from the government.
Our team is available in-store, online, and by phone to answer your questions to help you choose the perfect lift chair.
Your Home. Your Health. We Care.