What are the pros and cons of lift chairs? Read the guide below to find out.
Lift chairs and regular recliners are very similar. They can both be used by users to recline their position as well as extend their feet with the help of a footrest.
However, there are several features that make lift chairs and regular recliners different. For instance, while most recliner seats are operated manually, lift chairs are usually controlled with a button. The mechanism behind a lift chair enables it to lift up to a vertical position from a seated position enabling the user to get out without difficulty.
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Lift chairs have been found to be beneficial to both the user and their care giver. Caregiver often experience some challenges and stress when they want to move a patient to a wheelchair or help them up in a standing position. Both situations are very delicate and may result to injury of either the caregiver or patient. Lift chairs help reduce the risk of injury for both parties. They are also handy in terms of improving the user’s psychological wellbeing by allowing them to have some form of independence.
Lift chairs are highly recommended for people with diseases like Parkinson’s or mobility difficulties. Such people may require a specialized lift chair to help manage their condition.
Studies have found at least one in every five hundred people is diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The disease becomes noticeable when after the age of 50. Although scientists haven’t found what causes the disease yet, it’s a degenerative long-term ailment which affects one’s central nervous system causing them muscular rigidity and shaking.
People with Parkinson’s disease start experiencing slower movement which also affects their gait and are more susceptible to falling when trying to change from a sitting to a standing position.
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Below are some factors to put into consideration when looking for the right chair for such a person:
- The chair’s width can be extended enough in order to stop the patient from falling over on either side.
- Find out the kind of comfort fabrics and pads which are suitable for patient.
- The height of the seat should enable the patient to sit upright while their feet are on the ground. don’t forget to check if the patient’s slippers impact elevation.
- Confirm whether the lift chair’s motor is suitable to enable safe and easy transition from sitting to standing position. The chair should also be able to prevent the user from tumbling.
We’ve covered more on the selection of lift chairs in our guide; the best lift chairs for elderly.
Lift chairs are also good for patients with back problems because they’ll be able to transform from a sitting to standing position without difficulty. Since the chairs are designed with lifting capabilities patients can adjust them whenever they need to change positions.
Pros and Cons of Lift Chairs
Pros
- Lift chairs are great solution for helping patients to sit and stand without difficulty. The chairs use a mechanism which changes it position from upright to recline and vice versa so that the user can easily sit or stand.
- A lift chair can be customized to meet the user’s specifications. For instance, if the patient is short, they’ll need a smaller chair while large chairs are suitable for bulky patients.
- The material used to design lift chairs is durable which prevents them from wear and tear especially in busy waiting or exam rooms.
- A good lift chair should provide you with comfort, easy usage and suitability. Make sure the lift chair you purchase is suitable for different health conditions.
- The right lift chair is made using durable, waterproof and east to clean material. For instance, Panaz’s Shieldplus fabric is the most suitable for infection control. The fabric is highly recommended because it will help protect your chair from different bacterial spectrum found in the environment.
Cons
- Since the chair does most of the work for you when it comes to sitting and standing, there will be less use for your leg muscles which will cause them to be weaker over time.
- People with cognition difficulties can easily forget to stretch their knees when standing and opt to slide out of the chair.
- Lift chairs are very expensive because of the technology used in their design. A lot goes into the production, technology and assets of lift chairs compared to other healthcare products like wheelchairs.
- Power lift chairs for elderly are designed to rely on electricity for their operation. This means that they won’t be function when there is no power at home.
Conclusion
Lift chairs are meant to make it easy for the user to sit and stand as well as provide them with comfort while using them. However, you’ll also be required to continue working your muscles. Users should continue doing all the activities they still can like exercising, walking (even if they have to use a walker or cane for assistance) and any other activities that will help them maintain mobility and strength.
Lift chairs are designed to be used indoors, which helps in restricting the patient’s movement because they’ll be confined in one place. Hospitals opt for mobile lift chairs in case patients need to be moved from one place to another. Mobility is also an important feature because the chairs are very heavy and can be difficult move in homes that don’t have an elevator.
