LIFT RECLINE CHAIRS
Many Persons with ALS (PALS) find that using an lift recline chair makes
day to day living much more comfortable. The lift feature assists some clients
with their transfers in and out of the chair.
Clients who are not able to transfer continue to use the chair because
of the variable recline positions. Some clients find that the lift recline
chair is more comfortable for sleeping than a hospital bed and end up spending
much of their time in the chair.
It is therefore important that the right chair be chosen for the
user. The following is a brief overview
of some of the features to consider when choosing a lift recline chair.
SIZE
It is very important that the PALS obtain a chair that fits. Short clients (5’ 5” or less) should have a
chair with a shorter seat depth (the measurement from the front of the seat to
the back) so that the user can sit with their buttocks reaching the back of the
chair. Very tall clients (over 6 feet) may want a tall or large chair with a
longer back height so that their upper back and head are well supported.
Most lift recline manufacturers have now come out with a range of chair
sizes therefore it is usually possible to find a chair that will fit in terms
of seat depth and back height.
Golden Elite Comforter Chairs
BACK STYLE
The most common lift recline back styles are button back, T-back, and
waterfall.
BUTTON BACK CHAIRS are
typically less expensive than other styles of lift recline chairs. Most ALS clients do not find this style to
be comfortable, as there is limited padding, plus the buttons can be a source
of pressure leading to skin breakdown.
T-BACK (OR SPLIT BACK) CHAIRS have a large horizontal pillow at the top of the chair, with the lower
part of the back divided into two sections (left and right) by a vertical seam.
This style has more padding than the button back and tends to be more
comfortable.
Pride 450
WATERFALL BACK CHAIRS have three or four well-padded cushions running horizontally across the
back. There is usually a zipper opening at the back of each pillow so that it
is possible to adjust the size of each pillow simply by adding or removing the
stuffing in each pillow. Most ALS
clients like this style, however, some clients complain their head is pushed too
far forward. In this case, removing some of the padding in the top pillow often
makes the chair comfortable.
Pride 570
LEGREST STYLE
There are two basic styles of leg support: the continuous ottoman versus the separate footrest. The continuous ottoman is preferable in that
there is more support for the legs, plus there is no large gap for the legs or
feet to fall into. A “Chaise Lounger”
usually refers to a lift chair with a continuous ottoman.
Golden Chaise
Lounge
SINGLE VERSUS DUAL MOTOR
Most lift chairs have a single motor so that the leg support moves up
only when the chair reclines. Some dual
motor chairs are also available which allows the leg position to be adjusted
separately from the back. This can be a
useful feature for clients who become uncomfortable in a reclined position.
Pride 670
OTHER FEATURES TO
CONSIDER include type of controller, arm rest style, type and colour of
upholstery, and whether you want optional heat and massage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
http://www.goldentech.com/consumers.liftchairs.gallery.html
http://www.pridemobility.com/Products/LIFT_CHAIR/Luxury/luxury.html
This information has been prepared by Anne Chapman Heinemeyer,
OT, Equipment Program Coordinator for the ALS Society of Alberta. For more
information, call Lyn Skipper, Equipment Program Manager of the ALS Society of
Alberta toll free at 1 (888) 309-1111. or e-mail lyn@alsab.ca.