A power lift chair can be an extremely helpful accessory for people whose mobility challenges make it difficult for them to rise out of a chair from a sitting position, or to sit down from a standing one due to pain or lack of muscle strength. A power lift chair is a particularly beneficial purchase for the home that seniors with mobility issues can use to retain their independence while remaining in their homes. They also help provide safety and convenience for nurses, family members, and other caregivers, who risk injury from assisting those who need help getting up from a sitting position or returning to one.
A power lift chair is constructed like a traditional recliner with the added feature of a powerful electric motor located (single & dual options available) in its base which is connected to hand controls that allow its user to manage the speed and angle of the lifting mechanism. Most power lift chairs can achieve all the positions available on the best recliners.
Three basic power lift chair styles are the two-position chair, the three-position chair, and the infinite position chair. The two-position lift chair is built to recline as much as 45 degrees. It is designed for the casual user and is not ideal for napping, or prolonged periods of sitting. The three-position lift chair reclines to an almost flat angle, which more closely mimics the range of a standard recliner. It is a better alternative for those who intend to nap while in it. The infinite-position lift chair is the most expensive type, but a good choice for a person who will be spending a lot of time sitting or lying in it. It generally offers more comfort and therapeutic options, such as dual motors which allow the footrest and the seat back to move independently, and a greater range and combination of positions. Typically the infinite position chairs all user to lay in Trendelenburg Position (heart below lower extremities) which is very helpful in eliminating swelling in the legs.
In choosing the most appropriate model, an individual will have to consider not only his or her mobility needs and functionality requirements, but also such things as price, number of positions the chair offers, specialty features such as heat and/or massage, and how and where the chair will fit in the home. A critical consideration is the weight and height of the individual. Most power lift chairs can support over 300 pounds. A person’s height is important because the distance that the chair needs to lift off of the ground to facilitate a safe and pain-free exit is based on the height of its intended user.
At Pacific Mobility, our experts can help you determine which power lift chair will be the best one to meet your needs while fitting your budget. Our chairs come in a wide variety of styles, fabrics, colors, and advanced features. Come and visit or contact us today.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
