A stand up chair for loved ones or yourself is a chair used frequently to give comfort and greater mobility.  This recliner helps individuals that lack balance or core strength.   In addition, the chair can assists those who have more severe mobility issues.   The chairs are designed to assist people from a sitting to a standing position and from standing to sitting. This is a blessing to the caregiver.  You may find this article about selecting a perfect recliner helpful.

To receive optimum benefits from a lift chair it is important to research your options. There are several categories of lift chairs for seniors or stand up chair for elderly.  So, determine which chair best suits your needs before investing.

Cost

The price range varies for power lift recliners.  The features that are included make up the price variation in the chair.   So, the prices range from $500 to over $3000.  So, it is quite a price range spread.  On average most people spend about $1000 for there chair.

Considerations for selecting a stand up chairs for seniors

Does the user have a long-term need for the chair or is it a temporary disability? If you have a short term need,  we suggest that you check with your local medical supply agency for rental options.  Regardless, you may want to get a chair that is comfortable and assists in standing up.   When selecting a stand up chair you have made a good choice for making the home more comfortable to stay at home longer.

Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia-related conditions warrants special consideration.  The user may become confused by the remote control.  This confusion leads to frustration and increased agitation.  At the same time, attempting to get out of the chair while in a reclined position could be hazardous.

How will the individual use the chair:  for sleeping instead of their bed?   If they are sleeping in the chair, importantly, it should offer a wide range of positions for optimal comfort.   As the individual will be spending extended periods of time you will want to be able to have position choices for your power lift recliner.

If you or your loved one suffer from edema or circulatory problems these reclining lift chairs are designed to address these circulatory problems.

Standard

The standard lift chair is the most basic. It does not offer any fancy options but it does get the job done. Its lift function operates in the same manner as other lift chairs but the backrest does not recline. This may be a safer option for a cognitively impaired person. The controls should only be operated by a caregiver.

Two-Position

The two-position lift chair operates with one motor. This controls the back and the leg rest at the same time. The average two-position chair offers some versatility. It may be a good choice for individuals looking for a comfortable chair for reading, watching television and general comfort.

Three-Position

The three-position lift chair utilizes two motors to operate the back and leg rests independently of each other. The chair is also known as an infinite-position lift chair due to its extreme versatility. A three-position chair is a good option for individuals who spend long periods of time in their chairs.

A person with limited mobility should change positions frequently to avoid pressure sores. This chair offers a simple solution. The chair can recline flat or adjusted to a comfortable sleeping position. The leg rest can be elevated over the user’s heart. This position, known as the Trendelenburg Position, is frequently used to reduce edema and increase circulation in the legs and feet.

Zero Gravity

This chair provides all of the features available in a three-position chair with the bonus of an adjustable seat. The seat box can be raised and tilted. The operation is similar to an adjustable car seat. Raising the lower back reduces the pressure on the spine. The zero-gravity feature promotes proper spine alignment, relaxes back muscles, improves circulation and expands lung capacity.

Users of zero gravity lift chairs tout the extreme comfort provided by this feature. Give it a test run at your local dealer’s showroom before rejecting it because of the expense.

Size considerations for selecting a stand up chair 

No one would willingly choose to wear an ill-fitting pair of shoes. It would be silly to purposely decide to be uncomfortable. Lift chairs for elderly users range in size from petite to heavy-duty. Choosing the correct size will ensure maximum comfort.

There are several ways to determine the proper size chair. Ideally, the user’s feet should rest flat on the floor while sitting upright with their back against the backrest. The seat box should be wide enough to accommodate the user’s hips at their widest point.

This is a general guideline of sizes available. Specifics may vary between manufacturers.

• Petite/Small: These are the smallest stock lift chairs available. The chair has an elevating leg rest and a limited reclining backrest. It is designed for comfort while reading or watching television. It may not be well suited for sleeping.
• Medium: Accommodates an individual 5’4″ to 5’10” with a 375-pound capacity.
• Large: Accommodates an individual 5’11” to 6’2” with a 375-pound capacity.
• Tall: Accommodates an individual 6’2″ to 6’8″ with a 375-pound capacity. Some manufacturers offer leg extensions as an alternative.
• Wide/XL: It offers a two to four-inch wider seat with a 500-pound capacity.
• Heavy Duty/XXL:It offers a four-inch wider seat with a 600 to 700-pound capacity.

Options

Chairs are available in a variety of upholstery options.  Stand up chair for the elderly are designed to blend with most decor. Look beyond aesthetics when choosing upholstery. Consider the user’s comfort. Leather is an appealing choice for some but others find it cold or hot and sticky.  Consider incontinence circumstance and look closely at clean-ability.  There are many easy to clean and stain-resistant options.

Many manufacturers offer a variety of options for lift chairs.

• Determine which type of cushion best suits the user’s needs. For instance, a tufted backrest will be firmer than a pillow style.
• Some manufacturers offer a left-handed remote. This simple adjustment may make a world of difference for ease of operation.
• There is a huge selection of options for your chair.  These chairs may have optional heated seats and massage features. These items may seem like a luxury expense but could provide a great deal of comfort to an individual who spends extended periods of time in the chair.
• Inquire about a battery backup in case of an electrical outage.
• Extra options such as cup holders and magazine pockets are available on some models.

Lift chairs offer many therapeutic benefits. Therefore, they can provide hours of comfort and increased independence for your loved one.  Please take your time to research and match your individual needs with fit criteria.

Helpful Articles:

How to select the perfect power lift chair
Budget Friendly Power Lift Chair 

Sources
Spinlife: Spinlife’s Guide to Lift Chairs
Preferred Health Choice: Lift Chairs How They Work