Power-assist recliners
 

Hey all.

I am looking into recliners that provide lifting assistance for my elderly Mom. Do you have comments or experience with these?

http://www.jordans.com/synergy-lands...iner-lr1012370

BTW, what I've learned so far...
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Avoiding Mistakes when Buying a Power Lift Chair Recliner: Five Tips From A Licensed Physical Therapist

By Jeff Roth MPT

If getting up and down from a sofa or chair is not as simple as it used to be for your loved one, buying a power lift chair may be the right move as they are relatively inexpensive for the benefits they provide. There are so many options, both in stores and online, when it comes to buying mobility equipment that it can become overwhelming. As a licensed physical therapist and home health care specialist, I assess people with physical disabilities on a daily basis and can provide insight to avoid mistakes in your purchase.
Below are five points to consider when selecting your lift chair.

1. Number of Positions The most important feature to consider. When looking at chairs, you'll see some are '2 Position', some '3 Position' and some 'Infinite Positions'. Infinite position models have two motors to let the footrest move independent of the back portion. Those who want to sit upright, but also have the footrest up, will need this type of chair. Both '2 Position' and '3 Position' chairs require the backrest to recline to have the footrest slide out because they only have a single motor. '3 Position' chairs differ from '2 Position' types in that they allow full recline; 2 positions only recline to 45 degrees.

2. Fit Just like any recliner, you want the chair to fit your body size. This is very important because the larger the chair, the deeper the seat cushion. Choose a chair that's too big and your legs may not touch the floor when sitting straight up. Choose a model that's too small and your lower back area might not respond well.

3. Type of Covering Do you sweat a lot? Leather may not be the best choice. Is incontinence a problem? Perhaps material made of cloth does not make sense in this case. In most cases, leather will cost more, but do not discount its benefits.

4. Living Area Do you have a fairly tight area in your living room to place the chair? Does it need to be against a wall? Models are available that can start against a wall and slide open forward without banging into the wall behind it. Standard models both slide out and backwards, which may be a problem in tight areas.

5. Advanced Features Higher end models provide features such as heated seats, lift speed variations, vibrating seats and cup holders. While these may seem unnecessary, people with aches and pains could find them very soothing and worth the higher price tag.

My Mom actually found one in the paper, it is 5 years old but in very good shape. We got it for $250. I recommend a new or used one for anyone that is pre or post op!

A few weeks ago we went to my wife's brothers cabin and he had one of these chairs. It was one that had the variable positions. My lower back was out at the time. When I initially checked out the chair I didn't think much of it. When I started playing with it I did find it surprisingly comfortable. I was changing positions like every 20 minutes using the remote. I don't think I'd go out and buy one due to its placement in our home but I can see the benefits of having one.

My LazyBoy and my 'Old People's' bed are my refuges. I'm always amazed at how much money my customer's spend on vehicles that cost $10K/yr in fuel, insurance and maintenance (never mind the depreciation) but refuse to spend 1/100th of that on a device like the LazyBoy. No wonder our latest generation have so much materialistic 'NEEDS'......they've seen all their parents buy bobbles instead of safe shelter, wholesome food and healthy environment......FWIW

Hi Fathub,

Just a comment on "latest generation have so much materialistics "NEEDS". I'm going to be 57 in a few short months. My oldest daughter will turn 30, my younger 28. They have never had a job that provides them additional health benefits. I've had one for over 25 years which means, for that time, never had to pay for a dentist, eyeglasses or medication. I owned several high end cars and had a house when I was in my 20's. They, both don't have a house, old cars and are "getting by". It seems that when I speak to the younger generation in stores they are all part-time without enough hours at one job to qualify for full-time, so they have several jobs. IMHO, it was my generation that took the cream of the pie, not the younger. We are the generation with the big screen TV's, most of the young stream their TV shows on their PCs, iPads or androids. Again, I'm Canadian, and, my comments shouldn't reflect on other countries.