Lift Chairs: Restoring Independence for the Elderly

Age is an inevitable fact of life. We will all age, there is really no fountain of youth, and no way to keep age from finding us. Possibly the most frustrating aspect of aging is the loss of our mobility and independence. Having the ability to remain independent throughout the aging process is a very important aspect in many lives. Knowing that we can come and go as we please without help is crucial in respect to our self confidence.

A lift chair is a wonderful resource for retaining or regaining your independence. With a lift chair, you have the ability to move from a sitting to a standing position without any help from others. Many styles of lift chairs are available, as well as different aspects of reclining positions. A lift chair can help you to regain your confidence by ensuring that you will be able to go from sitting to standing, without the fear of falling.

A lift chair works by using a motorized mechanism that simply lifts your seat with the push of a button. If you normally need help standing up, a lift chair can give you that help. You simply push the button to raise the chair, and you are lifted into a complete standing position. Once you are on your feet, you can simply walk away from your chair.
Lift chairs also help with the sitting process. When you are ready to sit in your chair, you simply back up to the seat, and push the decline button. The chair will take you into a sitting position slowly, so that you do not lose your balance.

Gaining independence is a very important feeling. Knowing that you have the ability to sit and stand alone, without the help of family and friends, is a wonderful emotion. Many elderly people, as well as those who have been injured or are disabled for a number of reasons, have found their independence again with a lift chair.

With the many styles and colors available in lift chair models, it is safe to assume that you will be able to match your lift chair to your current home furnishings. There are also styles available that will take up very little space, so if you live in a small home or apartment, there is a lift chair that will fit perfectly into small living spaces.
Making the decision to purchase a lift chair seems like an overwhelming task, however, knowing how a lift chair can help to restore your ability to do things on your own is a major decision maker for many. Knowing that you will have restored your mobility, and having more independence in your daily life is the best reason to consider purchasing a lift chair. You will have the ability to move around your home as you wish, without relying on the help of others to get you on your feet or to help you sit. Regaining your independence is a wonderful feeling, and deciding to use a lift chair is the first step.

Is a Lift Chair Right for You?

If you are currently debating on the decision to purchase a lift chair, there are a few determining factors that may help you to make your decision. Deciding if you need a lift chair does not have to be an overwhelming choice. If you think you may benefit from a lift chair, you should think about the many ways that it could help you in your everyday life.

If you currently have trouble standing from a sitting position without help from others, then a lift chair can assist you in gaining your independence. By slowly raising you to your feet, a lift chair takes away the need to have someone with you when you want to get up. It takes the strain off those who would help you, and lets you be more independent and mobile, because when you want to get up from your chair, you simply push the button to raise the seat, and you are slowly raised into a standing position.
You may also benefit from a lift chair in the aspect that it helps you to sit without help. If you are normally off balance, or have a fear of falling while trying to sit, then a lift chair can alleviate those worries. When you are ready to sit in your chair, you simply back up to the seat and push the decline button. Your lift chair will then slowly lower you into a sitting position. You will not need help from others to sit, and you will not have to worry about becoming off balance or potentially falling back into the chair. The lift chair does all the work of sitting you down slowly and without fear.

Some people even use their lift chairs for sleeping. There are models available that fully recline into a laying position, so that you can sleep very comfortably. When you are ready to get up, you simply push the button to sit up, and the back of the chair, as well as the footrest, will lower you back into a sitting position. From there you can push the incline button to raise into a standing position, and get up if you wish.
Lift chairs have given millions of users their independence again. Those who once thought that they would always need help in sitting and standing have been pleasantly surprised at the mobility that they have received in using a lift chair. No matter what the reason that you normally need help, whether it is due to age, arthritis, or injury, a lift chair can help you to regain your confidence and your independence. With the many styles and colors available, a lift chair can be found that will match any home décor, so there are no worries of it looking out of place.

Lift chairs are designed to help you regain your independence and your mobility. If knowing that you can get up without help is important to you, then a lift chair would be a great benefit.

Lift Chairs: Better Bought New

Everyone likes to save money and get a good deal. That is the main reason we buy something used. There are some things, however, that are better bought new. For example you probably don’t want to buy a used bed from a stranger. Used laptops are also often unreliable. The problem with buying these types of used products is that you really don’t know how they have been treated or how they have been used.

Another item that is best bought new is a Lift Chair. Lift Chairs are comfortable chairs that raise or lower you to a sitting or standing position. They are great when you start to get old and can no longer stand or sit easily. They provide a very valuable service to many older Americans and those with medical disabilities.

There are many reasons that you would not want to buy a used lift chair. For instance while you may save a little money up front, you have no way of knowing how the motor has been treated. The owner may have consistently overworked the motor and it may be on its last leg. If this is the case you will have to spend about $400 to have it replaced. This does not include repairs to the remote or other electrical components.

Another reason not to buy a used lift chair is that often the condition and color of the fabric will not match your existing motif.  When you buy it used you are getting what ever the individual decided to buy and are inheriting all of their spills, odors, and wear and tear. It is much better to buy it new from a reputable dealer and pick the colors that will best fit your room.

There is nothing wrong with trying to save money, but there are some things better bought new. Lift Chairs should always be purchased new from a reputable dealer.

Lift Chairs and the Fountain of Youth

Most everyone has heard the story of the Fountain of Youth. One popular story is of the well know Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon and his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Ponce de Leon sailed with Columbus on his second trip to what was to become the United States of America. Ponce decided to stay in Puerto Rico and became very well known. While Governor he heard many stories of a special place whose waters were said to keep you young. Ponce made it his quest to search for this magical place and while he never found it, he had many adventures along the way and helped to shape history.

Of course everyone knows there is no magical fountain of youth. So when your body starts to show its age, there is no magic potion that will restore your youth. There are, however, many ways to help you live more comfortably and keep your independence. So if you struggle getting up or sitting down a lift chair may be for you. A lift chair works by slowly raising you to a standing position or slowly lowering you to a sitting position. This eliminates a large amount of strain on the body and can make you feel better.

Another advantage of lift chairs is that they can relieve your dependence on your spouse or other loved one. Often as we get old our wife or husband will help take care of us. It is only natural and we would do the same for them if we were able. One of the hardest things for them is getting us in or out of our favorite chair. A lift chair can solve this problem with the push of a button and can literally save their body from undo strain and wear.

While there is no magical cure to old age, there are still many things that you can do to help manage its toll. A Lift Chair can literally restore your independence and save you money because you no longer have to rely on friends, family, or a paid nurse to get around your own home.

Lift Chars in Your Living Room

It is not only age that can make it harder for a person to stand up or sit down. Often medical problems such as back pain, arthritis, or osteoporosis greatly limit a person’s ability to sit or stand. This can make it very hard on the ones we love as they try to take care of us the best they can. If you have any of these problems or if it is just hard for you to get up on your own, a lift chair can help you regain your freedom and relieve the pressure on your spouse or other loved one.

A lift chair raises the user to a standing position at a safe and regulated speed. A lift chair can also help the user to sit down without worry. One important consideration when purchasing a lift chair is the size of the room the chair will go into. Lift chairs come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one to fit your particular room is not a problem at all. These incredibly comfortable chairs also come in a wide assortment of colors and fabrics, so matching the wallpaper or carpet should be a breeze.

Whether it is due to old age or medical conditions lift chairs can provide an incredibly important service, while looking stylish and sheik in your living room.

Comforts of Lift Chairs

Almost everyone has that one favorite chair. You know the one that is so worn that your wife or family is always, jokingly, threatening to throw it out. It can be very hard for us to give up our favorite chair, but now there is a great reason. If you or someone you love has trouble standing up than a lift chair is for you. Lift chairs work by raising the seat at a very slow and steady pace that leaves the user in a near standing position. This can be a lifesaver because it reduces strain to the backs and legs and prevents accidents that can arise when we stand up. Remember to measure your old seats dimensions so that you have an idea of the measurements that you will need.

In addition to greatly increasing your independence and mobility these chairs are also extremely comfortable. Whether you enjoy watching TV, reading, or taking a nap lift chairs will quickly become your favorite chair. With a built in remote control it is possible to operate the back and built in ottoman. This is a big step up from those chairs that have a handle on the side, which in and of itself can present a challenge to those that are mobility or visually impaired. Many chairs also have built in heat and massage. There is nothing like watching your favorite program on TV and relaxing to a nice warm massage.

These chairs are designed to provide the ultimate comfort and support for your back and legs, but finding the correct color and fabric to match your room is a breeze as well. Certified dealers have a vast array of colors and fabrics to choose from that can be viewed online. There are also many stain resistant fabrics that are very easy to clean and maintain.

It has never been so easy and trouble free to purchase a lift chair online and many times they offer chairs at discounted prices.

Choosing the Right Lift Chair

For people who are suffering from diabetes, knee problems, hip problems, shoulder weakness, leg swelling, and arthritis may find lift chairs a device that will make their lives easier and more comfortable. These lift chairs are also beneficial to stroke victims, as well as for those who are recovering from surgery.

Lift chairs are typically made like any ordinary sitting chairs. However, a lift chair comes with a power motor that will help lift up the chair to assist the occupant get up from a sitting pose. Because a lift chair is of great importance, choosing the appropriate lift chair is a must. This selection may be somehow difficult so here are some factors that you might want to consider when comparing lift chairs and buying one.

Style and Color
Lift chairs can also be attractive supplements to any home décor. Hence, style and color is an essential factor. Generally, lift chairs may look like typical accent chairs, love seats, sofas, or recliners, while a few may even appear as beds. Style and color of the lift chair must complement or accentuate the interior design of your home.

Dimension (Size and Height)
Another essential factor that must be considered in buying a lift chair is its height and size. The dimension of the lift chair must be appropriate for the one who will use it. A lift chair that is too small or too large may be uncomfortable for the occupant. Hence, it will be a great help if the person who will eventually use it can try sitting on the chair before actually purchasing it.

Weight of the User
Lift chairs, depending on the brand or model, may vary in terms of weight capacities. In choosing a lift chair, consider one that is strong enough to seat the occupant. Typical lift chairs can seat users who weigh at most 375 pounds. However, lift chairs that are heavy duty types can accommodate users up to 700 pounds or those who are exceptionally taller.

Power Source
There are lift chairs that make use of battery packs to function. Others need to be plugged into conventional power outlets. Both power sources are good power suppliers. Just make certain that whatever you choose will be convenient for the end user. Most lift chairs that are heavy duty utilize dual motors. This is to ensure a more powerful operation.

Accessories
When all of the aforementioned factors are already met, you might want to include other accessories to add to your chosen lift chair. For additional comfort, massage and heat can be added to the seat (or both the back and seat) of the lift chair. Head and lumbar pillows are also great options. Some lift chairs may also be added with side pockets for easy accessibility, as well as hand controls for more convenience.

By now, you already know what features to look for when buying a lift chair. Always keep in mind that what matters most importantly is that the individual for whom the lift chair is intended to.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Lift Chair

When choosing a lift chair, the two most important aspects are functionality and comfort. One of the main ways of determining the comfort level of your new chair is to decide on which fabric will best suit your needs. There are many varieties of color and fabric available in lift chairs from cloth to leather to vinyl, and each has a distinction that makes it suitable for many needs.

A cloth lift chair is perfect if you want extreme pillowing and comfort. If you are not prone to spills or other accidents, a cloth fabric for your chair will not only look good, but will be extremely soft and comfortable. Of course, normally you would worry that a soft chair would propose a problem with getting up and down, but since a lift chair lifts you to your feet, then you do not have that worry. If you prefer a soft cloth fabric, you can enjoy just that with your lift chair.

Leather lift chairs are the ultimate in luxury. They are not only comfortable, but beautiful as well. If your current furnishings feature leather, then you do have the option to have a leather lift chair, that will match your home décor, and add beauty to your home. Leather is very luxurious, and leather lift chairs are covered with full-grain leather on the seat, as well as the armrests and headrests. Leather is a beautiful and very comfortable choice in a lift chair. Suede leather is also available in lift chairs. Suede is the ultimate in comfort, it stays warm much longer than leather, so you have no worries of sitting in a cold chair, and suede is a beautiful fabric that will complement any home interior.

Vinyl lift chairs are also beautiful and are a wonderful choice if you need a fabric that will withstand staining or spills. While they are still very comfortable, vinyl chairs are the better choice for those who may have accidents, or even for those with pets in the home, as the vinyl will withstand shedding better than fabric.

With the many available options for fabric choices, it is a good idea to know which fabric will suit your individual needs best. Whether you love the feel of overstuffed leather, or need the vinyl upholstery for medical reasons, choosing the fabric is one of the most important steps in the purchasing process of a new lift chair.

There are also many color choices available, and most fabrics offer several choices of colors. No matter what color you need to match your home décor, it is a good assumption that you will find a lift chair in that color. Deciding on the style, color, and fabric of your lift chair will ensure that you are satisfied with the addition to your home. Choosing the correct fabric could mean the difference in a wonderful experience and an uncomfortable chair. Be sure to determine the fabric that you feel is the most comfortable and suits your needs the best.

Chair Lifts – For When You Just Need A Little Help

Chair lifts can really enhance mobility for people with handicaps. If you have trouble getting around, there are likely chair lifts on the market that could help you. There are several types of chair lifts, ranging from those that raise a chair to another level for stairs or vehicles to lifts that raise a person to a level that will allow them to stand.

Chair lifts that many people have found to be a tremendous help are those that help people in wheelchairs get up the stairs. There are many different brands and models of chair lifts that can help perform this function. When you are deciding which one to purchase, there are several things that you should look at as buying criteria.

You should always examine the weight capacity of chair lifts before picking them. Don’t cut it close to the limit, either. Also, you should look at any extra equipment, if any, that you would need to purchase to make it functional in your home. Also, you should look at any extra installation costs to make the chair lift functional. Some of these chair lifts require the person to be able to move from seat to seat on their own. Others do not. This should also be a factor. If you are having trouble deciding, talk to a professional. These people know all the possible problems and they can help you to see down the road. These chair lifts can sometimes seem pretty expensive. However, it much less expensive than adding ramps in your house would be. The cost of that kind of construction can run pretty high.

Many people, while not confined to a wheelchair, often have trouble sitting down and then standing up from their chairs. There are now chair lifts to assist in this. These lifts attach to your favorite living room type chairs. When you are getting out of them, you elevate them so that they do part of the work of standing you up for you. Then, when you go to sit, there is much less of a distance to sit. This can enable you to relax wherever you want much more easily.

You can also find chair lifts to help you get into and out of your vehicle. And chair lifts have even been used to allow handicapped people to go hunting in their tree stands. Whatever you have trouble doing, there is some avenue to help you. Chair lifts just might be the right avenue. And even if they don’t always agree with your pocket book, who can put a price on mobility and living your life to the fullest?

Buying a Used Lift Chair

When buying a lift chair, as with buying anything else, you want to be sure that you get the best quality, at the lowest possible price. You may wonder about purchasing a used lift chair to save potentially hundreds of dollars off the price of a new one. When choosing your lift chair, however, there are some points to be addressed as far as used versus new.

Although a new lift chair may seem like an expensive purchase, buying a used one may ultimately be just as expensive, if not more. For instance, if the motor stops working, you will pay over $300 to purchase a new one. That is without the hand lift control, if you need both, then your price will be closer to $400. Keep in mind, this is only for the part, you may also need to pay a repair man to install the new motor, which may set you back another $100 or so.

Considering that you may have saved a couple hundred dollars off the price of a new chair, this does not seem like such a bargain after all. You also need to consider that you can not be certain of the true condition of a used lift chair. You may be told that it is in pristine condition, however, you will not fully be able to judge the condition until you have used it. There will also likely not be a guarantee with a used lift chair, as you will receive with a new one. If something goes wrong with a new lift chair, you can rest assured that it will be repaired, or replaced if necessary, at no cost to you. With a used chair, you do not get a guarantee of functionality.

You should also consider the cosmetic condition of the chair. A used lift chair may have worn places and/or holes that will reduce the attractiveness of the chair. Of course, appearance is not the reason that most people use in their decision to purchase a lift chair, however, if you are spending hundreds of dollars on this chair, then you obviously want it to look as good as possible. Speaking of appearance, most people who purchase lift chairs choose colors that will accent their current home décor. When buying a new lift chair, you can be assured of many choices in colors and styles in which to match your new chair to your current furnishings. If you choose to purchase a used chair, your choices of colors and styles are decreased considerably.

Saving money is never a bad thing, however, saving money on something that you truly need, only to be disappointed with the result can be very frustrating. Before you decide to purchase a used lift chair, keep in mind the overall problems a used chair may possess, as well as the fact that, in the long run, you may just end up spending more to repair a used chair than you would have spent purchasing a new one.

Buying a Lift Chair for a Loved One

Standing after sitting for awhile in front of the TV can be difficult for some people, especially elderly persons. The difficulty of standing also afflicts persons with back problems. The perfect solution for this is a lift chair. A lot of names are used to describe these kinds of chairs, some may call it lift recliners or chair lifts but it is commonly known as lift chair. A powered lifting mechanism which pushes the entire chair up from its base sets the lift chair apart from ordinary recliners. This feature allows the user to move to a standing position effortlessly.

The elderly, infirm or handicapped people can get increased independence from several equipments. The lift chair is a must have to better address a handicapped persons need for comfort, it is similar to the ordinary upholstered recliners in appearance, but the lift chairs have a lot more to offer.

A recline and lift mechanism containing one, or in some cases two motors enables the lift chair to move the chair up and down. This same mechanism also permits the chair to be reclined back and raise the foot rest for added comfort. There are buttons to control the lift chair, one is to adjust its position if you want to recline or to move the chair to assist you in standing up.

When the chair rises to a standing position it is easier for you to stand and walk out of the chair. It is a great benefit for people who find it difficult to stand outright due to a bad back or for caregivers to transport their patients from the chair to the wheelchair. Lift chairs provide an enjoyable TV viewing time as the chair reclines to a comfortable position that the user desires, now if you need more popcorn, standing up will be a breeze.


There are three classifications of lift chairs depending on the positions it is capable of. The 2-position lift chair –as it name implies has two positions, Straight and TV recline. With the TV recline position the chair is slightly leaned back for comfortable TV viewing, relaxing or reading.

The 3-position lift chair, likewise has three different recline positions, which are Straight, TV recline, and Full recline positions. Aside from the TV recline the full recline feature of the 3-position lift chair provides more choice for the user.

The Infinite position lift chair offers an unlimited variety of recline position. This kind of lift chair have independently operated back and leg movements which varies from straight up to a full flat recline or sleep recline. Although called 2 or 3 position these lift chairs are not limited to two or three positions.

For example the 2-position has numerous position from straight up to TV recline depending on the adjustment, as well as for the 3-position lift chairs: from straight up to full recline you can choose numerous positions. Choosing the right kind of lift chair to accommodate the correct weight of the person is imperative. Height also plays an important role in buying the right lift chair. Some lift chairs are not suitable for taller persons due to frame limits.

A lift chair can be a great gift for your elderly member, nothing can be more thoughtful than a comfortable mechanism to help him out with his day to day activities around the house.

The Pride Luxury Line

Over the past 20 years there have been many changes around the world. We have seen the destruction of the Berlin Wall, the connection of millions through the internet, and the boom and bust of the dot com bubble. There have also been tremendous changes and advancements in the home mobility equipment industry which has greatly benefited those who are, or those who take care of people who are, mobility challenged. One company that has helped to lead the charge in refining and developing medical technology is Pride Mobility Products Corporation. They have devoted millions to researching, engineering, and testing home mobility equipment with the customer's well being at the center of their heart. No product leaves their doors with out being fully inspected and evaluated One of the areas that they have helped to spear head is the lift chair industry and they have several well known and quality lines of lift chairs that are suited to fit the needs of millions of Americans.

One of Pride Mobility's most deluxe lines of lift chairs is the Luxury Line. There are over 20 chairs in the Luxury Line. All of the chairs in the Pride Luxury Line incorporate a state of the art lifting system with an elegant and well built hardwood frame. Most include a lifetime warranty on the steel lift frame, and a 7 year warranty on the rest of the mechanical parts. The luxury line incorporates an environmentally friendly foam that uses very little petroleum in its production. The use of this foam in no way degrades the sitting experience and actually greatly improves it because it is so comfortable. The chair itself is flame retardant and can withstand contact with an open flame for up to 12 seconds. Depending on the model they have a seat width of 18 inches to 26 inches and can support between 300 and 375 pounds.

There are many different lift chairs in the Luxury Line that offer special added features. The Pride LL-670 Lift Chair Bed includes a mattress that is designed to fit on top of the lift chair making it much more comfortable to sleep. The Pride LL-571 has flip open armrests that offer drink holders as well as a place to store things like remotes and books. Another model with functionality and comfort in mind is the PMR-570T. This chair has removable armrests that make transfer into and out of the chair much easier. All of the models offer superior comfort and quality.

The lift chairs manufactured by Pride Mobility Products are some of the finest in the industry. They are all designed with comfort and usability in mind. The Luxury Line goes one step farther and establishes an incredibly high standard that is used as a benchmark for other companies in the home mobility equipment industry. With all the added features and luxuries it would be easy to think that a lift chair in the Luxury Line was very expensive, but this is not the case at all. The Luxury Line is very well priced and offers comfort that can not be matched.