Key Considerations for Buying Elderly Supportive Chairs

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Finding the right seating for your elderly loved one is an intimidating process.

There are so many different chairs out there on the market. Some look amazing but offer little to no support. Others make some huge promises that just don’t live up to reality when you need them to.

The truth is…

Having the right chair can make all the difference in the world to the day-to-day life of an older person. It can be the difference between relative independence and constant struggle. Between sitting comfortably and living with pain every day. Between safety and a serious injury.

And with around a third of people aged 65 and over experiencing at least one fall every year, getting this decision right is even more important than most people realise.

In This Article:

• Why Supportive Seating is Important For The Elderly
• Key Features to Look For in an Elderly Chair
• How to Choose the Correct Height for an Elderly Chair
• Understanding Rise and Recline Chairs
• Materials and Maintenance
• Space and Room Considerations
• Weight Capacity and Build Quality
• Trial Periods and Returns

Why Supportive Seating is Important For The Elderly

Let’s cut to the chase.

The typical armchair just isn’t going to be suitable for most elderly people. As people get older, they tend to lose mobility and their joints become less flexible. Rising from a standard seat becomes a daily challenge for many people.

This is where problems begin.

Struggling to stand from a low seat puts immense pressure on the knees and hips. This leads to increased risk of falls. It also causes confidence to slowly erode.

A chair designed for the elderly addresses these problems head-on. These chairs are specifically designed with features that make sitting down and standing up safer and easier.

Think about it…

When someone is able to rise independently without needing assistance, it preserves their dignity. Their confidence increases. And they’re far more likely to be active and engaged.

Key Features to Look For in an Elderly Chair

Supportive chairs come in a variety of styles. But not all of these have the features you need to support an elderly person.

In fact, some features are merely a nice to have. While others are absolutely essential.

Here’s what matters most:

• Sturdy armrests – These give leverage when standing up. They need to be strong, well-positioned and able to hold weight without wobbling.
• Correct seat height – Too low and rising becomes difficult. Too high and the person’s feet dangle uncomfortably.
• Lumbar support – Good lower back support to prevent slouching and strain on the spine.
• Firm cushioning – Cushions that are too soft make it harder to stand.

The best chairs will incorporate all of these elements into a single package. Missing one of these creates problems.

How to Choose the Correct Height for an Elderly Chair

Ah, this is where many people get it wrong.

They buy a chair that looks comfortable without taking any measurements. Then they wonder why their elderly parent or loved one still struggles to stand up.

Seat height needs to allow the following:

• Feet to rest flat on the floor
• Knees to bend at roughly 90 degrees
• Transfer of weight when standing

Most elderly users will be fine with a seat height between 17 and 21 inches. But this will vary based on the individual person’s height and leg length.

Here’s a simple test to use…

Sit the person in the chair. If their feet dangle or their knees point sharply upwards, it’s the wrong height. Getting this measurement right at the start will save a lot of headaches down the line.

Understanding Rise and Recline Chairs

Rise and recline chairs are growing in popularity. And for a reason!

They use a motor to gently tilt the seat forwards. This raises the person up and allows them to stand with minimal effort. For anyone with joint issues, arthritis or muscle weakness, this feature is life-changing.

But there’s more to consider:

• Single motor vs dual motor – Single motor chairs use one motor to recline and raise the footrest simultaneously. Dual motor chairs have separate control for each.
• Speed of motion – Some chairs move too quickly to be comfortable. You’ll want smooth, gradual motion.
• Battery backup – Power outages happen. A backup battery will keep the chair functioning if the electricity goes out.

The recline function is also helpful for circulation. Being able to elevate the legs above heart level reduces swelling and improves blood flow.

Pretty handy, right?

Materials and Maintenance

Covering material impacts both comfort and practicality. Each option has its pros and cons.

Fabric chairs:

• Feel warmer and softer to the touch
• More colour options
• Can be harder to clean in the event of a spill

Leather and faux leather:

• Wipe clean easily
• Stain resistant
• Can feel cold initially and may cause sweating

Waterproof or easy-clean materials are essential for any elderly user with incontinence issues. Some chairs have removable, machine washable covers which makes cleaning much simpler.

Don’t ignore this point. The comfiest chair in the world is no good if it can’t be kept clean and hygienic.

Space and Room Considerations

Measure the space before you buy anything.

Rise and recline chairs need to have room behind them to tilt all the way back. Some models require up to 15cm from the wall. While others have “wall hugger” designs that require much less space.

Take note of the following:

• Width of doorways – to ensure delivery access
• Available floor space – in the room you want to put the chair
• Distance from wall – where you’ll position the chair
• Distance to power outlets – for powered models

Nothing worse than purchasing the perfect chair, only to find it won’t fit through the front door. Or that it takes up the entire living room when it’s reclined.

Weight Capacity and Build Quality

Standard chairs support 18-20 stone. Bariatric chairs are designed to handle more.

Always check the max weight capacity before purchase. Sitting over the stated limit is not only uncomfortable. It’s dangerous and will void most warranties.

Look for the following to ensure quality construction:

• Solid wooden or metal frame
• Reinforced joints and connections
• Warranties from a reputable manufacturer

A well-constructed chair should last many years with appropriate care. Cutting corners on quality almost always backfires when repairs are needed.

Trial Periods and Returns

One last thing…

Most reputable suppliers will allow a trial period. This lets you test the chair in your home before fully committing.

Take advantage of this. A showroom experience rarely tells the whole story. Living with a chair for a week will highlight whether it truly suits your daily needs.

Check the returns policy. And understand who pays for return shipping if the chair isn’t suitable.

Wrapping It Up

Picking the right supportive chair takes time and thought. But when you get it right, it completely transforms the day-to-day life of an elderly person.

Focus on the essentials: correct seat height, sturdy armrests, proper lumbar support and appropriate materials. Factor in rise and recline functions for anyone with mobility issues.

With falls costing the NHS over £2.3 billion per year, it’s not just about comfort. It’s also about safety, independence and quality of life.

Measure twice. Test before you commit. And don’t skimp on quality.

The right chair will make all the difference.