Who Needs a Lift Chair?

There are many people who have difficulty standing or sitting on their own. Often it is due to neuromuscular diseases, like muscular sclerosis, or degenerative joint diseases, like osteoarthritis, but there are many other conditions that can make it difficult or even impossible to safely stand independently. Many times these conditions are compounded by cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, which often results in poor balance and trouble walking. To help make standing and sitting safer and easier, many people rely on lift chairs in their home.

A lift chair is a very special type of chair that is similar in many ways to a traditional recliner, but it offers several features that set it apart from other types of recliners. The major difference between traditional recliners and lift chairs is that the base of a lift chair contains an electric motor and a strong lifting arm. The lifting arm raises the chair slowly into the air and when a lift chair is fully raised, the seat is positioned in such a manner that allows the seated individual to transfer to a standing position safely and easily. When the chair is fully raised, it also allows an individual to safely sit in a controlled manner.

A lift chair comes in many different models and sizes, so there is one that will fit anybody type. The seat width and height off of the ground are two factors that help determine what size person the chair is for. It is a good idea to measure your existing chair, so that you can have an idea of what size will suit you best, but most lift chair manufacturers also provide a minimum and maximum height rating for each chair. Generally if you fall into the height category and do not weigh more than the chairs weight capacity, the chair will fit you, but it is still a good idea to compare the seat width and seat depth to that of one of your existing chairs.

If you are on Medicare then part of the chair might be covered. Those that receive Part B benefits can generally apply and receive reimbursement for the cost of the lifting mechanism of the chair. This requires that the chair use an electric lifting mechanism though and Medicare will not cover a lift chair that uses a spring lifting mechanism. The only part of the chair that is covered is the lifting mechanism, which usually costs about $300.

If you, a loved one, or your ward can not safely stand or sit, then a lift chair can be an important addition to the living room.