When watching someone you love spend an hour or more working up the strength to get up from the couch and then seeing the relief and gratitude when you’re able to assist them, you know the feeling of a quietly heartbreaking sorrow. That was the scene in our family room for months. My father’s arthritis had gone from being a minor annoyance first thing in the morning to a constant thief of mobility, so every time he tried to get up, he rocked back and forth in his chair. One of us would then rush over to catch his arms and provide assistance as he slowly rose to a standing position. At the time, we told each other we were doing fine. We said we were being strong. In retrospect, though, we were only delaying the inevitable until he took a tumble.
We purchased a lift recliner three months before writing this article, and it significantly improved our daily routine. If you are still undecided whether or not purchasing a lift chair will improve your quality of life, let me tell you now, it is a total game-changer. Below are the many ways the chair has helped us, and my sole regret is that we did not purchase this type of furniture earlier.
The Change: From “managing” to Being Safe and Independent
At some point, my father began to resist even thinking about using any sort of aid to increase mobility. To him, getting a lift chair seemed like admitting defeat and losing his independence. Therefore, we continued through the struggles. True independence is not about having to exhaustively exert yourself physically to accomplish everyday tasks such as obtaining a drink of water. Instead, true independence means you can safely navigate your surroundings with dignity and comfort. The change occurred when he could not muster enough energy to rise to use the bathroom due to the strenuous physical activity required to elevate himself from his chair. At that moment, we realized that mobility issues don’t limit themselves solely to joint health but also diminish the size of a person’s environment.
What is a Lift Recliner?
Before researching and beginning to shop for a lift chair, I incorrectly believed a lift chair was merely a sturdy version of a recliner with enhanced power. There is much more to a quality lift recliner than just additional mechanical capabilities. Quality lift chairs are built specifically with both medical and therapeutic applications in mind.
Standard recliners will recline back in a straight line, whereas lift chairs utilize an advanced electronic system designed specifically to allow users to pivot smoothly from a completely horizontal seated position directly into a safe and stable vertical standing position without any resistance from their knees, hips, or back.
Ways Our Lives Were Better Due to the Addition of the Recliner
Upon receiving and plugging in our new lift chair, we immediately noticed a shift in the atmosphere within our household. Here is how our lives changed once we received the chair:
Independence: Dad no longer needs someone to enter the room to assist him when he wishes to observe something outside the window or retrieve something from another room. All he needs to do is press a button. The regained independence has positively affected his mental well-being greatly.
Caregiver Burnout Reduced: Caring for an older adult is physically demanding. The repeated lifting to assist him in rising caused significant discomfort in my lower back. The caregiver role is now burden-free for everyone involved.
Extreme Comfort and Pressure Relief: Lift chairs do more than just enable people to stand safely. They also recline into several different seating angles, including a zero-gravity position that raises the user’s legs higher than their heart. Dad’s swollen ankle area has decreased dramatically as a result.
Safe and Accidental Injury-Free Standing Positioning: The majority of falls occur during transitional movements, i.e., going from sitting to standing. Mechanically facilitating those transitions eliminates the vast majority of fall risks.
Getting Over Your Fear Of How The Chair Will Look
Another reason we delayed making this decision was fear of how the chair would appear in our living room. We did not want it to resemble anything close to a hospital bed. Thankfully, modern medical equipment has evolved in terms of aesthetics. Our lift recliner resembles an elegant piece of living room furniture and is covered by a breathable, stain-resistant material that blends perfectly with our furnishings.
A Word of Advice for Family Members:
If you’re currently dealing with complex home-based rehabilitation or home care arrangements, you may not need to invest in every item all at once. For example, if you’re setting up temporary home care after major surgery, renting an electric medical bed in addition to your existing living space furniture can provide a huge cost savings while ensuring your loved ones receive hospital-level safety in their comfort zone.
Selecting the Perfect Model
If you are considering purchasing one, understand that these products are not universal. Prior to making a purchase you should take into account several key elements:
Positions (2-Way vs. 3-Way vs. Infinite): A 2-way lift is basic, while an infinite position model includes independent movement of both the footrest and backrest, allowing for sleeping in the chair (if desired).
Dimensions / Weight Limitation: The user’s feet should rest flatly on the floor when seated normally, and the seat should be wide enough to accommodate them without constricting.
Fabric Type/Quality: Consider performance fabrics or high-quality vinyl materials if you anticipate spills or possible incontinence, etc., as these types of materials can be cleaned quickly and easily.
Conclusion
Looking back at the months spent dragging, pulling, and fretting about helping my dad get up from his chair, I feel embarrassed about how many good days we lost to pride. The day we received the chair, we added an important piece of furniture to our living room—but we restored my dad’s self-confidence and provided us with peace of mind.
If you have a family member who is experiencing difficulty finding balance due to chronic pain or weakness, do not delay making the decision regarding proper mobility support for your loved one. Purchasing proper mobility supports for your loved ones is an investment in their quality of life and their self-worth — along with your collective sanity. Trust me, you’ll be glad you invested in this aspect of your life’s support system earlier than later.