An Explanation of Lift Chairs and their Features

As an individual ages, there are a number of conditions that can negatively effect mobility. These conditions, like arthritis, can make walking more difficult and in many cases makes it very hard for the individual to stand unassisted. This limited mobility can have a very big impact on a senior, who must change their lifestyle accordingly and will often have to rely more on others than they are used to. One way to ensure that independence is maintained, while still living in a safe manner, is to use a lift chair.

What are Lift Chairs?

Lift chairs are a special kind of mobility lifting aid that is designed to quickly and easily allow a senior or other person who has limited mobility stand or sit in a safe controlled manner. First developed over twenty years ago, these devices have come a long way since then and are today very safe and reliable.

What do Lift Chairs Look Like?

Lift chairs look a lot like a regular recliner, but they have some fairly significant features that set them apart from a traditional recliner. The biggest difference is that the lift chair is controlled completely electronically. From the actual lifting system, to the footrest and backrest, the entire chair can be operated by only using a finger. Once activated, the lifting system slowly raises the person sitting in the chair upwards. Once its apex has been reached, the individual can exit the chair on their feet, without having to rely on a friend for family member.

Are there different Types of Lift Chairs?

There are many different types of lift chairs available and a great deal of models, but they can basically be divided into three different categories. The three position lift chair is the most common type of chair and allows the backrest to be fully reclined, making it an excellent sleeping, reading, or simply sitting chair.

Two position lift chairs are also common, although they are not as popular as other lift chairs, because they can not fully recline. Often called TV Recliners, they can only recline about 45 degrees.

The other type of chair is the infinite position chair, which can recline the furthest out of the three types of chairs. In addition to reclining a little further, the chair also allows the footrest and backrest to be operated separately from one another. This means that unlike a regluar recliner, you can recline the chair without having to extend the footrest and of course extend the footrest without reclining the chair.

One common misconception, which is fueled by the way the chairs are named, is that a two position chair can only recline to two different positions. This is not the case though and the chair can actually be reclined to an almost endless number of settings, limited only by how far back the chair can be reclined.

Whether it be a 2, 3, or infinite position chair, these devices are capable of making standing and sitting a simple safe task, which is very valuable for a senior.