How to Choose the Best Chair for an Elderly Relative or Friend

Recliner lift chairs are a top choice of specialist chairs for many. They offer comfort, pressure relief, and posture management all in one package. The chairs come heavily padded right from the backrest area through to the armrest and seat parts. Some even come equipped with heat and massage functions for the ultimate comfort and muscle relaxation.

Adjustability is the most significant advantage of recliner chairs. As the name implies, these chairs feature a tilt in space function that enables you to lower the back of the seat or lift the front area. When reclining, the bottom part of the chair, where the legs usually hang, unfolds into a footrest. When popped up, the leg rest lets the user sit in a comfortable laid out position. On the flipside, lifting the chair sends it into a sort of a tip-over angle, which enables older adults to get on their feet comfortably.

The tilting of lift chairs can either be mechanical (where user leans back to lower the chair or pulls on a lever) or remote-controlled. The angles of recline also vary between chairs. Some recliner seats only offer two adjustable positions. Others have three or even an infinite number of recline angles.

As the name indicates, these chairs feature an elongated back area. The purpose of this design is to promote proper posture. Users get good head, neck, shoulders, and back support thanks to the high rear surface. Some of these chairs come fitted with wings to offer extra support for the head, neck, and shoulders.

In addition to protecting the spine and upper body muscles from strain, high back chairs have a therapeutic nature. They relax the body, reducing tension in already overstretched areas. It is also common for high back chairs to feature padded back and armrests for enhancing comfort.

At first glance, bariatric chairs look like your regular armchair. They have armrests, padded seating, and a generous backrest area. There is however a distinct difference to bariatric chairs in the form of an oversized seating area which typically covers a width of 24 to 30 inches.

Bariatric seats have a wide surface area, which helps to distribute weight evenly and counteract the force of gravity that pulls the body forward. As a result, the sitter can maintain an upright posture for longer since bodyweight is not weighing down on the back area. The large seat also helps to reduce interface pressure, thereby reducing the risk of sores.

One thing to note about bariatric chairs is that they target large people, hence the spacious seating area. These chairs are intended to support at least 300 pounds with some promising a load limit of 750lbs or even 1000lbs. They typically feature long and sturdy armrests to support the weight of a person when getting up from the chair.

Orthopaedic or therapeutic chairs are designed to accommodate the elderly and those suffering from back pain problems. The chairs come in all manner of looks and designs but mostly focus on providing optimal support for the spine and skeletal area to prevent the sitter from slouching or hunching the shoulders.

Another advantage of orthopaedic chairs is that they also offer pressure management for the whole body. More than one feature can help to provide this benefit. For instance, cushioning at the bum and hips may be offered to reduce pressure in these areas. A footrest may be included to keep the legs and knees from getting fatigued. Some models feature a swivel function that enables users to engage in physical activities without overextending the body.

For the elderly who have mobility issues, a wheelchair is an option worth looking into for specialist seating. Wheelchairs have a 2-in-1 advantage as they make it possible for the user to move around the house independently and double up as a means of travelling outdoors.

Although there are several wheelchair designs, geriatric chairs and motorized versions are the more suitable options when it comes to the elderly.

Motorized wheelchairs offer several great features. A few examples include ample support for the spine, comfortable padded seating, headrest area, adjustable footrest, and a joystick control panel.

On the other hand, geriatric chairs come with a roomier seat for added comfort and swivel rear wheels for easy maneuverability. These chairs usually feature extra padding on the headrest, armrest, and seat plus extra-large footplates to give the user more support.

There are also geriatric chair models that offer recline capabilities where the sitter can adjust over three positions. For the elderly, this is a handy feature to have. It helps keep the blood flowing well, thereby reducing discomfort during extended periods of sitting.

What is the condition of the elderly relative or friend who needs the chair? Is the person unable to maintain a stable upright position?

If so, a simple high back would be suitable. Perhaps they have muscle weakness or mobility issues that make it highly difficult or impossible to shift sitting positions. In this case, an option like the recliner chair with adjustable seat angles would be a better fit.

Simply put, make sure to weigh the health and physical condition of your loved carefully one before making the final choice on specialist seating option.

A specialist seat is something that can last for years. So, you must ensure that it will continue to remain relevant for the rest of the user’s life.

Does the intended user have a medical condition that will cause muscles to deteriorate with time? If so, consider the long-term requirements of the person and shop accordingly.

Generally, a chair with adjustable features should be able to provide lengthy use. Therapeutic chairs, for instance, tend to be highly flexible where you can adjust seat width, height, and depth to fit the user.

While this may not cross your mind as you shop for senior chairs, it plays a significant role in determining overall comfort. If a chair is too broad, using the armrests becomes uncomfortable. The extra-wide seat might cause elderly persons to leaning to one side of the chair or lay their hands clumsily at the sides.

On the other hand, a chair that is too deep or high can force the user into an awkward position as they try to lean into the backrest. Such a poor sizing defeats the chair’s purpose of helping maintain proper posture. To avoid this, make sure that the body shape and height of the user is proportionate to the depth and height of the chair you intend to buy.