Many Persons with ALS (or clients) 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.
It is very important that the person living with ALS 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER include type of controller, arm rest style, type and colour of upholstery, and whether you want optional heat and massage.
This information has been prepared for the ALS Society of Alberta by Anne Chapman-Heinemeyer, OT. For more information on the ALS Society of Alberta's Equipment Program, please call Jeremy Wojtkiw at (403) 228-3857 (Extension 104) or e-mail at jeremy@alsab.ca. Phone toll free in Alberta at 1 (888) 309-1111.
