Using a Lift Recliner in the Home

There are many diseases and conditions that are more common among the elderly. These conditions are not a normal part of aging, but do affect seniors at a higher rate than other age groups. Among these diseases, arthritis is one of the most common to affect those over 65 and can have a very big impact on ones life. There are a number of other diseases and conditions that can also have a major impact on a seniors life and greatly reduce accessibility.

For seniors, often standing up without assistance is very difficult. This can make many tasks, like getting out of the car or sitting down in a restaurant very difficult. It is also not uncommon for a senior to have trouble standing up from their recliner, especially if they have been seated for awhile, such as during the length of a few television programs. When a senior is unable to stand on their own, many turn to lift chairs, as a lift chair can increase accessibility, without a major cost to independence.

How Lift Recliners Work

Lift chairs share a design that is similar to a traditional recliner. They feature a backrest that can be lowered to allow for watching TV or napping, as well as a footrest to prop ones foot on. However, while the outward appearance of a lift chair is indeed very similar to that of a recliner, they are actually quite different in how they are operated. This is because lift chairs are controlled electronically and have a lifting system located in the base of the chair.

When a button is pushed by the user, the entire lift chair rises slowly. At it’s peak, the base of the lift chair is positioned in a manner that allows the user to exit the lift chair on their feet, although it is also possible to remain seated, even when the lift recliner has been completely raised. So, falling out of the lift chair is not a concern.

Quality lift chairs also use a constant pressure switch, which means the lift chair will only rise when someone is pushing the button. This way, if while positioning your self in the chair, you accidentally hit the ‘up’ button, the chair will not accidentally raise.

Using a lift recliner is very easy and allows a senior, or other person who has trouble standing on their own, to live an independent lifestyle. There are many styles of lift recliner to choose from, with a number of different fabrics usually also available for each model of lift chair.

The Importance of a Battery Backup

One important feature that can come in handy is a battery backup. Many popular brands of lift chairs, like Golden Lift Chairs and Pride Lift Chairs, include a battery backup that allows the chair to be used even if the power to the home is lost. This way, there is never a fear of being stuck in the lift recliner.

The most common type of battery backup is powered by a single nine volt battery, which is the same type of battery used in most fire alarms. It may sound surprising, but a nine volt battery is sufficient to raise or lower the lift chair, with a person sitting in it. However, once the battery backup has been used, it should be replaced with a fresh battery. The battery should also be replaced at least once a year and many people choose to replace it when they change their fire alarm battery.