Lift chairs are recliner-type chairs that have a seat lift mechanism built into the base. This lifting and lowering ability is designed to provide assistance in getting to a standing position from a sitting position. Lift chairs, by themselves, are not medically necessary; however, the lift mechanism may be.
Many insurance companies will cover lift mechanisms separately or built into a lift chair if a person can ambulate and has some neurological or joint disease. Lift chairs don’t require a prescription to buy and many people purchase them from furniture dealers.
Lift chairs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, heights, widths and reclining positions. The greatest difference in function is their ability to recline. The industry has settled on two basic models: two-position and three-position. The two-position model reclines to a semi-reclining position. The three-position model reclines almost flat.
Without trying to sound like an advertisement for a particular brand of lift chair, there are some features that are important in a quality lift chair. The first feature that needs to be mentioned is the weight capacity of the lift chair and its stability. Most lift chairs have a weight capacity of 250 - 375 pounds. Many lift chair manufacturers have heavy-duty models that offer greater weight capacities. The stability of the lift chair goes hand-in-hand with the weight capacity. The stability refers to how easily the lift chair will tip over. Some lift chairs have a wider base that increases the lift chair’s lateral stability. Some models even offer a battery backup, typically to move the patient from a reclined position to a seating position. The batteries are not generally designed to lift the chair.
The next feature that is considered a safety feature is power. A good lift chair should be one that incorporates only 12-volts of electricity inside the chair, not 110-volt A/C current. The lifting mechanism should be quiet and lift smoothly without a jerky motion. Some less expensive models use a worm-type mechanism and you can see the chair moving back and forth when it is lifting or lowering.
The hand control should be durable (able to withstand a lot of abuse). And as stated above, ideally the hand control should operate on 12 volts of electricity. A useful value added feature of a hand control, is one that is ergonomically designed so it is easy to operate, especially for those individuals with arthritis or other degenerative muscle, nerve or bone diseases.
If you are in market for a lift chair, Apollo HomeCare Supply will do our best to recommend and supply a lift chair that meets your needs. At Apollo HomeCare Supply, we only carry the best…which is Pride Mobility along with their 3 to 5 year warranty.
Conveniently located in Westlake Village, CA, please stop by Apollo HomeCare Supply and we will work with you to see if you will qualify for the needed home medical equipment.
We specialize and have a huge supply of Bathroom safety products, Blood glucose monitors, Canes and crutches, CPAP devices, Incontinence, infection prevention (Gloves, masks, gowns, etc.), homecare beds, Lift chairs, Mobility power scooters, Nebulizer equipment, orthotics (Splints, Bracing & Supports), oxygen concentrators, Walkers, knee walkers and rollators, essential oils, yoga supplies, wheelchairs and power wheelchairs and Wound care products.
