A Closer Look at Liftchairs

One of the tricky parts about growing older is dealing with some of the diseases and conditions that are more common among the elderly. These diseases, such as arthritis or glaucoma, are not normal parts of the aging process, but they are, however, much more common among the elderly. These diseases can have a very big impact on the ability of seniors to get around and live independently.

Commonly, mobility related disorders like arthritis often make it very difficult for the senior to stand on their own, which is why many seniors use liftchairs.

There are many popular mobility aids that are used by seniors to increase accessibility, but liftchairs are one of the most common and well known. Liftchairs look, at least in most cases, like a regular recliner, complete with a reclining backrest and a footrest that can be easily extended. This is one reason that these devices are often referred to as lift recliners or lifting recliners.

Differences between Liftchairs and Traditional Recliners

However, while liftchairs are very comfortable and offer functionality similar to a recliner, they are also quite different from your standard Lazy-Boy Recliner. This is because the entire liftchair, from footrest to backrest, is controlled electronically and it is designed to make standing safer and easier for its user. In the base of the recliner, a lifting system is installed that raises the chair and its user to a position that makes it easy to exit the liftchair on their feet.

Since lift recliners first were developed in the eighties, they have undergone many changes and the quality, as well as the safety, of these devices has been greatly improved. One of the biggest improvements to the lift recliner was the adoption of the electrical control system that is used to raise and lower the liftchair, as well as control the backrest and footrest. Early liftchairs had made use of a spring system, which was not very safe, but today, all quality liftchairs are controlled electronically.

Types of Liftchairs

There are three main types of liftchairs, as well as several other specialty models to address certain conditions and situations. The three main types are 2 position, 3 position, and infinite position lift recliners. This refers to how far the lift recliner’s backrest can recline. In 2 position recliners, the backrest reclines to a 45 degree angle. 3 position lift recliners can recline to a near horizontal position and infinite position lift chairs can recline even further, with the added benefit of allowing the backrest and footrest to be controlled separately.

Among the specialty liftchairs available, bariatric lift chairs are one of the most popular categories. These lift recliners are designed to support much more weight than a traditional liftchair and often feature dual motors. They are typically have a metal frame, which is more durable, and a wider seat. Lift recliners with removable armrests are also popular, which make it easier to transfer a person into and out of the chair.