Best Lift Chairs For Seniors – Forbes Health - Forbes

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As people age, it becomes harder to do simple things once possibly taken for granted—like standing up from a chair. But for seniors who value their independence and want to do as much on their own as possible, a power lift chair can be an excellent investment.

Choosing the right lift chair can feel overwhelming, so here's a look at exactly what these chairs can provide and what to look for when purchasing one.

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What Is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair is a recliner-style seat that uses a motor to help a person safely and easily get out of it from a seated position. The powerlifting mechanism inside pushes the entire chair up from its base to assist the user to stand up. While it might sound like a luxury, for many people, it's a necessity.

Lift chairs can also help seniors sit down from the standing position safely and comfortably. "For seniors who struggle to stand up or sit down, this [assistance] can help decrease pain and potentially ease anxiety," says Josie Rhoades, vice president of clinical operations at BrightStar Care, a national private-duty home care and medical staff franchise. Seniors who struggle to sit or stand on their own can end up overly relying on their arms and may end up slipping or harming themselves.

The reclining positions of lift chairs also provide benefits. "Seniors often require the use of a lift chair because the chair's lifting and reclining positions help elevate their legs to reduce the excess buildup of fluid and improves circulation in their legs," says Rhoades.

Types of Lift Chairs

According to Rhoades, there are three main types of lift chairs:

• Two-position. The most basic option, this lift chair reclines to a 45-degree angle, allowing the person seated to lean back slightly. It contains one motor, which controls the chair's lifting capabilities, reclining capabilities and the footrest. "When the backrest reclines, the footrest must extend," says Rhoades. "They cannot operate independently of each other." These chairs are generally used for watching television and/or reading, and they don't take up too much space.
• Three-position. This lift chair reclines further to an almost flat position. It is powered by one motor, which means the footrest doesn't operate independently of the backrest. "The person seated will be positioned in a slight 'V' formation at the hips with the backrest reclined and their knees and feet higher than their hips," says Rhoades. Because it reclines so far, this chair is ideal for napping and helpful for seniors who aren't able to sleep lying flat in a bed.
• Infinite position. The most versatile (and typically the most expensive) option, an infinite position lift chair offers a full recline with both the backrest and the footrest parallel to the floor. "Infinite position lift chairs usually contain two motors," says Rhoades. "The first motor typically controls the backrest, and the other controls the footrest, allowing for seniors to be properly positioned in seated position with their legs extended in front." Before buying an infinite position lift chair (sometimes called a zero-gravity chair), consult with your doctor, as it's not safe for some seniors to be in this position.

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Features to Consider When Buying the Best Lift Chair for You

There are many details to think about when searching for the perfect lift chair. And in some cases, you may want to speak to your doctor about the best ones for you. Consider:

• Position options. Rhoades stresses the importance of finding out how many positions the chair has—and identifying which positions are the most important to you. For instance, if you want to be able to nap in your lift chair, you may want to opt for a three-position or infinite-position chair over a two-position one.
• Material. Research what the chair is made of, and, if possible, test it out at a store. "Some seniors need a firmer chair, depending on their comfort level or if they have a specific need," says Rhoades.
• Size. Lift chairs can be large, so measure it and the space you're planning on putting it in to make sure the chair you want fits properly. "Avoid cluttering the space the chair is placed in to reduce the chance of a senior falling when walking towards their lift chair," adds Rhoades.
• Weight capacity. Check the weight capacity for your chair—because it works with a motor, you don't want to put excess weight on the chair consistently. Most lift chairs have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, but chairs with higher weight limits are available as well.
• A non-slip bottom. You don't want to have to worry about the chair sliding as you're sitting down or standing up, so be sure the bottom features a non-slip grip and the chair itself is sturdy.
• Fun features. Some lift chairs offer a variety of features that are not medically necessary, but may improve the overall experience of the chair. These features can include massage capabilities, cup holders, USB charging ports and wireless remote controls.

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Lift Chair Pros and Cons

Lift chairs are not only comfortable pieces of furniture, but also have many physical and emotional benefits.

• They help seniors maintain their independence.
• They assist with senior mobility. Research supports the claim that lift chairs help seniors sit and stand faster.
• They reduce risk of falls and medical intervention.
• They alleviate pressure in the legs and improve circulation, says Rhoades.
• They can help reduce anxiety, as they relieve seniors of the pressure to ask for help with standing or sitting frequently.

On the flip side, there are some negative aspects of lift chairs as well.

• They can be very expensive.
• They don't work for everyone. "Lift chairs are not a suitable option for people who have trouble with balance or standing properly in an upright position," says Rhoades.
• Becoming dependent on lift chairs may have negative health consequences over time. "Habitual use of a lift chair could further decrease muscle strength, as the person doesn't engage their muscles as frequently," says Rhoades.

How Much Do Lift Chairs Cost?

According to Rhoades, lift chairs can range in price from as little as $600 to more than $1,000, depending on the type and extra features you want. For example, a two-position lift chair may be less expensive than an infinite position lift chair.

If you don't want to invest in a lift chair for the long term, then consider renting one. Medical equipment rental stores in your area may offer lift chair rentals for a price lower than the cost of purchasing a new one.

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Does Insurance Cover Lift Chairs?

A lift chair may be covered by your insurance once your physician formally notes its medical necessity and files that information with your insurance company. According to Rhoades, the following requirements must be met for a lift chair to be covered by insurance:

• The patient has severe arthritis of the hip or knee or a severe neuromuscular disease.
• The patient is completely incapable of standing up from a regular chair independently.
• When standing, the patient can walk independently or with the aid of a walker or cane. If the patient has to go from sitting in the chair to sitting in a wheelchair, this level of limited mobility might prevent insurance companies from paying for the chair.
• The seat lift mechanism is part of the physician's course of treatment to affect improvement or slow deterioration in the person's condition.