If you have an elderly relative who is returning home after staying in a hospital or care home, finding suitable seating for them is a crucial part of their ongoing care plan.
Older people who sit for long periods need very comfortable chairs. That’s why our chairs are designed with ergonomics, cushioning, and pressure care in mind to provide exceptional comfort. This will ensure not only high levels of comfort, but will also reduce pressure sores and promote better posture.
To be more independent, the chair should have adjustable options so the client can meet their needs. They can also use the chair with standing and transfer aids to improve their mobility.
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Assessing Seating Needs for an Elderly Person
These are some of the key questions to consider when selecting seating for an elderly person:
What are Specific Health Conditions to Consider with Chairs for the Elderly?
Some of the highest-occurring health issues in old age are falling, arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic pain.
Our previous blog posts discuss many health conditions. Visit our Insights page to learn about seating for specific health problems related to old age.
How Mobile are They?
When evaluating seating needs, think about how mobile the person is currently and how their condition may change later, particularly with progressive conditions like osteoarthritis or MS.
Are There any Particular Areas of Discomfort or Pain?
Chronic pain might be a sign of underlying conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. A good chair can help reduce pain by supporting your back, improving posture, and providing extra padding. This can improve your health and wellbeing.
Types of Chairs for the Elderly
Elderly individuals with mobility issues may require a specialised lounge chair for extra support. These chairs provide more support than typical armchairs or sofas sold in stores.
High back chairs and rise and recliner armchairs are two of the main seating choices for elderly people, either in their own home or in a care home.
How do High Back chairs and Rise & Recline Chairs Differ?
High Back Chairs
A high back chair supports your head, back, and lower back. It keeps your spine in alignment and promotes good posture, which helps prevent spinal issues.
These chairs are popular in residential care because they are more affordable than riser recliners, and look like a normal fireside chairs which elderly residents may be more familiar with.
High Backed Bedside Chair
Rise & Recline Armchairs
Rise and Recline armchairs with their sit-to-stand function help elderly users get to their feet safely, giving them independence and peace of mind when getting in and out of the chair. The backrest recline also helps them reposition themselves to reduce pressure and increase comfort.
Riser recliner sofas are a good option for elderly couples, providing the same orthopaedic benefits in a two-seater chair that can be operated separately on each side.
Rise Recline Sofa
Which Chairs are Best for Different Health Conditions?
Older people with arthritis have joint pain and stiffness because of swelling and inflammation in their joints. This makes it hard for them to move around and sit down in a chair. This is where the rise and recline function becomes an essential aid for daily living. To learn more about how seating can help with managing arthritis, read our previous post Specialist Seating for People With Arthritis – Vivid Care
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that often occurs as people age, particularly in women after menopause. During menopause, bone tissue renewal slows down, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis. The reduction in bone mass makes the bones more fragile and brittle, and more prone to fractures. It’s crucial to have appropriate postural support, a suitable backrest, and a rise function to safeguard clients who are susceptible to bone breaks. Read more about this condition here: The Best Chairs for Osteoporosis – Vivid Care
A riser recliner chair can be adjusted to fit the person’s changing size and weight over time. For some helpful hints and tips on how to accurately measure seat size, read our seat sizing guide: Specialist Seating Sizing Form – Vivid Care
Ergonomic design features within the chair are important for elderly people. For instance, a handset with bigger buttons can greatly help those with arthritis or dementia.
If an older family member or client has neck pain and tends to slouch, a high back chair could be a good choice for them.
What are the Health Benefits of Riser Recliner Chairs?
Rise and recline chairs are helpful for older individuals. They may have difficulty standing up due to balance issues or health concerns. These chairs can assist them in getting up safely,and are designed for those who can still move around a little. Many older users prefer the traditional riser recliner style with scroll armrests. It looks like a modern armchair for the elderly and has built-in mechanisms to help them rise, recline, or lie flat.
Good for Circulation and Pressure Redistribution
Aside from increased comfort, there are other health benefits of riser recliner chairs. Elevating the legs with an articulating legrest improves blood circulation, and reduces swelling and blood clots which can pose a risk for elderly people.
More Comfortable for Sleeping
A rise and recline chair is a great option for people who like to take a nap during the day, as it can be tilted back into a lying position at the touch of a button. This allows the user can get the rest they need without being confined to a bed.
Compatible with Daily Tasks and Hobbies
A tray or overchair table can be incorporated with most riser recliners, allowing them to eat their meals, use a tablet, or pursue hobbies such as reading, sewing or writing all from the comfort of their own chair.
The Dales recliner range offers a range of contemporary styles and fabrics, with elderly and low mobility users in mind. They have a maximum user weight of 20 stone and have a range of electric actions, find out more here: Riser Recliner Chairs for Mobility, Postural Support, and Comfort (vivid.care)
Conclusion
Choosing a chair for your elderly relative or loved one that keeps them comfortable and supported is an integral part of their care plan going forwards.
Taking into account their overall health as well as accommodating any lifestyle needs they have will help you find the most suitable seating for them.
We have decades of experience in helping elderly people and their families find the right seating, and work with many healthcare professionals and OTs as part of this process.
We carry out free, no-obligation seating assessments throughout the North of England, please enquire below for more information:
Free & No Obligation Assessment
Ralph has many years' experience in the healthcare sector. In a previous life he worked in finance, and his spreadsheet skills come in handy for all the analysis and research he does as he investigates topics and solutions for some of the world's most complex healthcare conditions and challenges. Aside from writing in-depth articles and organising webinars and interviews with top healthcare professionals, Ralph also administrates Vivid's "Healthcare Pioneers Board", a large group of healthcare specialists with multiple disciplines, who are working together to improve care for years to come.
