An electric rise and recline chair could be a great investment if you struggle to sit down and stand up. These armchairs help you to stand up and sit down due to a motor which gently moves you at the touch of a button.
However, with such a wide range of options available, how do you know which chair is best for your needs? We have compiled a list of everything you should consider before investing in a rise & recline armchair.
Could a Rise & Recline help you?
Have you noticed aches and pains after sitting in your regular armchair or sofa? Or maybe you have been struggling to sit down or stand up from the sofa. These are all signs that a Rise & Recline chair could be a great solution for you.
Rise & Recline chairs can help with back pain, increase circulation and foot pain, and as you are able to adjust the chair’s position whilst you are still sitting down, you can quickly alleviate any pressure or pain as and when you need to.
This means it is a lot easier to reduce the chance of pressure sores as you are able to stay mobile without the pain of standing yourself up.
What features do you need to think about?
There are a number of features you need to consider when deciding on a Rise & Recline armchair to ensure you are able to invest in the perfect chair for your needs. Make sure to read through the features below to help you decide what is most important for you.
Single or Dual Motor
These are the most common types of Rise & Recline chairs.
A single motor chair has the leg rest and backrest operating at the same time, meaning that as the backrest reclines the leg rest also elevates.
A dual motor chair can allow you to adjust the leg rest and backrest separately, meaning you could sit upright with your legs extended. It allows for a much wider range of options that the single motor.
There are also chairs which use a third and even fourth motor, however, these offer little change from the dual motor chair.
Rise Action
This is what assists you to stand up and sit down, guiding you gently every step of the way. This movement is completely controlled by you, using the remote to decide when to go and stop. You are able to stop the operation whenever you feel like.
Most chairs have a forward and upward motion for the rise action, however, this can be a bit unsettling for some users as it feels like you are being tipped forward out of the chair. If this is the case, you may want to consider a vertical lift chair instead.
Armrest Style
There are two options for armrests – completely fabric-covered armrests, or armrests with wooden ‘knuckles’. These knuckles provide a firm surface to grip whilst ascending or descending, which can be a better option for people with arthritis or a weaker grip.
Fabric
Rise & Recline chairs are available in a wide range of colours, fabrics and designs, so you will be able to find a chair that blends in with the rest of your furniture. Or, you may decide to use your Rise & Recline chair as a focal piece within your room – it is completely up to you.
You can choose between fabric, leather and even other stain-resistant and waterproof fabrics if desired.
Other features
You may want a chair with a swivel base, not only offering a contemporary look but also the freedom for the user to change their viewpoint relatively easily.
You can also get Rise & Recline chairs with built in heat and massage therapy, offering these soothing benefits from your upper back all the way to your lower legs. Heat and massage can alleviate muscle aches and pains, and encourage better circulation. What’s more is that you will able to choose from a range of different intensities to suit your needs.
What size do I need?
When deciding on any piece of mobility equipment, it is important to ensure that it is the perfect size for your space whilst proving you the maximum level of comfort.
You need to make sure that whilst sat in the chair you can have both feet planted on the ground with your knees and hips both at a 90O angle.
To ensure that you are able to find the best size for you, it is recommended to view the products in person if you are able to.
Here at Independent Living Minehead we have a large showroom where you are able to come and try out any of the equipment. We also understand that not everyone will be able to come and visit us in-store, and that’s why we offer home consultations. A friendly member of our team will come to you and discuss your needs in detail to help you find the best solution.
Contact us today on 01643 709000 to take the first steps towards mobility freedom.