Lift Chairs

August 29, 2008

Seat Lifts vs. Lift Chairs

Filed under: lift chairs — liftchairs @ 3:02 pm

As we get older, sometimes our bodies aren’t able to perform our usual functions as easily as they used to. Some people develop diseases such as arthritis or osteoporosis that causes our limbs to not function properly. This can make tasks such as sitting or standing very difficult. Lift chairs and seat lifts have provided great alternatives for those who suffer these problems. Both have helped immensely but they are very different from each other.

Lift chairs easily allow a person to sit and stand. These chairs work through the base of the chair. There is an electric motor in it that move the base of the chair very steadily so that the person will not increase their chances of getting injured. They are also comfortable and come with many different options to suit your needs. It also comes in a variety of different positions, which can increase comfort for the individual.

A seat lift is very limited compared to a lift chair. It has the same basic operations as a lift chair except some aren’t able to operate as smoothly. It is a lot cheaper than a lift chair, mainly because the concentration relies more on the seat than the chair itself. The seats are cushioned but it doesn’t have the same sense of comfort as would a lift chair. Also, some seat lifts offer a bit of a spring action as opposed to a steady lift as most lift chairs offer.

Both devices are great tools to use when there are problems with sitting and standing. I honestly can’t offer the best choice for you because this is subjective. It all depends on what you are looking for, how much money you are willing to spend, and what your conditions are.

August 22, 2008

Lift Chairs and Who Needs Them

Filed under: lift chairs — liftchairs @ 1:23 pm

If you are unable to easily stand or sit, then you might find that watching TV is not so easy and that you are relying on others to help you out of your chair. This can put a strain on the person helping you and can also put them at greater risk of a fall. To help ensure that they are always able to stand or sit without assistance, many people use lift chairs.

A lift chair and a recliner share many similarities and many look identical. A lift chair, however, will have a strong lifting arm in the base of the chair, which is used to raise the chair and its occupant to a position that is easier to stand from. When the chair is fully raised, the occupant is able to either stand or sit safely and without having to have assistance from others.

While a good deal of the lift chairs available strongly favor a traditional recliner, there are several companies that offer chairs with a more modern look and feel. These contemporary designs will fit right into many living rooms and add a very classy feel to the room. Of course you can also get chairs that have a very classic look, with backs and armrests that are carefully crafted to look like an older chair.

The lifting capacity of these chairs varies by model. Some use dual motors and are capable of lifting more than six-hundred pounds, but most lift around three-hundred and fifty pounds. Choosing a chair that will match your weight requirements is important, and if you anticipate any weight growth, make certain you consider this when choosing a chair.

August 15, 2008

Lifting Lift Chairs

Filed under: lift chairs — liftchairs @ 1:53 pm

People who are over the age of 65 frequently leave full and active lives, but some things, like standing and sitting, can become more difficult with age. In some instances this is as a result of a mobility related problem such as arthritis, but it is also sometimes simply a case of poor balance. To help increase mobility and independence, a lift chair can be used to ensure that a person can safely stand and sit.

Lift chairs are most often found in the living room and are a type of recliner. They feature the reclining back and a footrest, much like a traditional recliner, but there are some notable differences. Most importantly is the fact that the base of the chair rises into the air to allow the seated individual to safely stand without assistance. They also are used to allow an individual sit in a controlled and non-dangerous manner. Another difference is that the footrest and backrest are controlled by remote control and so it is much easier to find a comfortable position and keep it, which is not the case with most traditional recliners.

Lift chairs come in many different sizes and shapes. Some are designed to look just like a regular non-lifting recliner, but others have a very modern look and feel. Some also have special features. These features can include heat and massage, special armrest compartments, removable armrests, which make transferring into or out of the seat easier, and many other special options.

Most lift chairs must be placed about 18 inches from the wall, but if space it at a premium, you can instead go with a space saver, which can be placed as close as 6 inches from the wall.

August 8, 2008

Lift Chairs in the Home

Filed under: lift chairs — liftchairs @ 2:45 pm

Standing up and sitting down is often more difficult for those of us who are over the age of 65. Commonly this is as a result of mobility problems like arthritis, which can make it difficult to bend your knees. As a result, many people find that they can not safely or reliably come to a standing position without assistance. Instead of relying on a nurse or paired caregiver, a lift chair is often prescribed.

Lift chairs are a type of recliner that can aid a person in standing or sitting and does not require that they rely on other people to use it. The base of the chair is outfitted with a very powerful lifting mechanism and this mechanism literally raises the chair into the air. When the chair is fully raised, the user is able to stand or sit in a very controlled manner.

There are many features and options available for a lift chair and many of them are purely comfort features. For instance there are many fabrics to choose from, including elegant leathers and synthetic leathers that are designed for improved breathability and also extra comfort. Many chairs also have an optional heat or massage kit built into them, which can work wonders on tired or sore muscles.

While many of these features are designed with comfort in mind, there are some basic features that you want to ensure your chair has. One of the most important involves the lifting mechanism. Many years ago lift chairs often used a spring lifting mechanism. These mechanisms are very dangerous and have been the cause of many injuries. A few companies still offer these chairs, so make certain you avoid companies that do. You will want to make certain that the chair uses an electric motor to move the chair.

Another feature that is important and available on most lift chairs is a battery backup. This is important, because you do not want to take the risk of being stranded in your chair if the power goes out. Most lift chairs manufactured by Golden Technologies and Pride Mobility include this feature.

A lift chair can be used to safely reduce the risk of falling or injuring yourself. People who can not stand easily or without assistance will greatly benefit from a lift chair.