How to Pick the Right Lift Chair for Elderly People
The best power lift chair for the elderly is determined both by brand quality and the features that match the user’s personal preferences and needs. Golden and Pride are two highly recommended recliner lift chair brands, offering basic and top-tier models that are designed specifically with seniors’ needs in mind.
It’s also important to take into account:
Chair positions (two-position, three-position, or infinite-position)
The user’s height and weight
The available space in the home
The match between the chair and existing home decor
Any additional therapeutic and practical features that are required
The right lift chair makes your life at home easier and more comfortable as you grow older. As you start looking for a lift chair, taking these factors into account will make the decision more straightforward.
Top Power Lift Chair Brands and Models
Golden and Pride are two of the best recliner lift brands, and the ones that we stock at our Denver and Boulder mobility equipment showrooms. These companies’ power lift chairs are ideal for elderly people with chronic back pain and feature ergonomic designs that makes them comfortable for everyday use. The basic and top-tier models cater to different user heights and requirements.
Basic Recliner Lift Chair
Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
User Height Range: 4’0" – 6’0"
Seating: Total Comfort Seating with spring design and one-piece soft foam
Fully padded chaise for extended comfort
Dimensions: Width 34", Height 33.5", Seat Width 22", Seat Depth 20"
Ideal for everyday use, reading, or watching TV
Top-Tier Recliner Lift Chair
Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
User Height Range: 5’8" – 6’1"
Seating: Total Comfort Seating with a deeper one-piece foam design
Fully padded chaise for maximum comfort
Dimensions: Width 37", Height 43", Seat Width 22", Seat Depth 22"
Suited for taller users or those who want extra room and support
How to Choose a Power Lift Chair
Consider the following factors when choosing a recliner lift chair for yourself or a loved one.
The Type of Lift Chair
When choosing between the different types of recliner lift chairs, your personal needs and circumstances must be taken into account. A lift chair is not a one-size-fits-all device. Depending on your age, mobility level, and any disabilities or therapeutic needs you may have, one type of lift chair will be much more suited to you than others.
Your budget must also be taken into account when choosing a lift chair. Some models come with premium features that, though appealing, may not fit your budget. More economical options also provide a comfortable experience, even if they don’t come with all the gadgets and features of a premium chair.
Two-Position Lift Chairs
A two-position lift chair reclines several inches as the footrest rises. The back of the chair reclines to a 45° angle and sits up straight. The chair also reclines to any angle between the straight and reclined positions.
Who Should Get a Two-Position Lift Chair?
Our experts recommend a two-position lift chair for people with limited mobility and for elderly people with balance problems or weakened muscles who struggle to stand from a sitting position without help. If you need a lift chair for resting, reading, or watching TV, a two-position lift chair is ideal.
Three-Position Lift Chairs
A three-position lift chair allows the user to recline their chair from a seated position to a TV-watching angle (like the two-position lift chair), and also to a full recline for sleeping.
Who Is a Three-Position Lift Chair For?
People who plan to sleep or nap in their chair should consider a three-position lift chair rather than a two-position chair. Some three-position lift chairs also come with therapeutic features designed to improve circulation or decrease pain caused by arthritis. This is another consideration when choosing between the main lift chair types.
Infinite-Position Chairs
An infinite-position chair has two motors that give the user total control over the position of the chair back as well as the leg rest. The chair lift recliner can be lowered to a flat position, or even raise the legs above the head.
Who Is an Infinite-Position Lift Chair For?
An infinite-position lift chair is ideal for:
Elderly or disabled people who sleep downstairs and want to use their chair as a bed
People who need more therapeutic features to help with circulation, to release tension in their lower extremities, or to provide lumbar support
Those who want a more advanced chair with features such as USB ports, massage therapy, and different color and furniture style options
The Fit and Size of the Lift Chair
Your lift chair must be well-adapted to your specifications to ensure your comfort while sitting, lying down, and standing.
The chair must be the right height for the user. Too tall and their feet won't reach the floor when it's lifted; too short and the lumbar region won't be well supported.
The chair must be the right width for the user. Power lift recliners come in large, medium, and small, depending on the width you need.
The chair must have the right weight capacity for the user. Heavy-duty chairs cater to bariatric users, offering weight capacities of up to 700 lbs.
The Amount of Space in Your Home
Lift chairs take up more space than a regular armchair, especially ones that recline to an angle of 180°.
When calculating how much space you’ll need, keep in mind that:
Space is required both in front of and behind the chair to allow the backrest to recline, and for the user to rise to a standing position.
For smaller homes, consider a wall-hugger chair, which adapts to rooms with limited space. These chairs slide outward as the user reclines, meaning that less room is needed behind the chair. This option is only available in two or three-position lift chairs.
Before buying a lift chair, measure the space in your home well. Make sure there is enough room for the chair to fully recline. Then check the dimensions of the chair in the specifications of the model on the retailer’s website.
The Material of the Lift Chair
Depending on your taste, physical requirements, and budget, you will find lift chairs with different fabrics and patterns that fit seamlessly into your current home decor.
Fabrics and patterns are often aesthetic choices. However, there are also some practical considerations to take into account:
Customized fabrics or prints will take longer to manufacture.
Light-colored materials may get dirtier more quickly than dark-colored materials.
Leather, while easy to clean, can be slippery in an upright position and may not be the best option for homes in very hot climates or for people who sweat a lot.
Therapeutic and Practical Features
Some features may be essential in a lift chair if the user desires these for health or practical reasons.
Heated seats and massage help with aching joints and muscles.
Cup holders allow users with limited mobility to stay hydrated without leaving their seat.
A lift chair table is a convenient option for people who want to eat in their chair or who need a work surface that they can use while sitting in the chair.
FAQ
How do I choose the right lift chair for myself or a loved one?
Choose a power lift chair that is designed to accommodate your weight and height, and the activities you plan to do while seated in the chair. Consider the available space in your home and where the recliner will be placed. Make sure there is enough room around your recliner seat to operate it safely and comfortably in all of the positions offered.
Are extra features important?
Modern-day recliners offer lots of “bells and whistles.” Some of these features will be genuinely useful, whereas others may cost a pretty penny but duplicate functions you already have covered (or that you won’t end up using). When choosing a recliner, consider how much time you will spend in the chair. For example, a cup holder and trays will improve comfort but are not required for basic mobility support.
Can I try a lift chair before buying?
Absolutely. Visiting a showroom or renting a chair first enables you to confirm it is comfortable and meets your needs. We have showrooms in Wheat Ridge (Denver) and Superior (Boulder), Colorado, where you can view and try out our power lift chairs.
The Right Lift Chair Improves Quality of Life
Investing in a lift chair is a wise decision not only for people who have trouble standing up and sitting down but also for those looking for other health benefits that will prolong their independence at home. The benefits of massage to relieve pain, increase circulation, and help people relax are supported by research. You can enjoy these benefits every day with a top-of-the-line lift chair.
Seniors looking for the best lift chairs should consider visiting a specialized mobility retail showroom. A customer service representative will explain the benefits and features of each power lift chair and allow you to try out a few different models. You can also rent a recliner lift chair to try before you buy. This will help you choose the chair that best suits your budget and needs.