Mobility Info - Canada
Rise and Recline Chairs
People with muscle weakness, balance impairment, arthritis or a host of other conditions might benefit from a rise and recline chair. The principal advantages of this type of chair are the comfort and support they give the sitter and the ease with which they allow the user to sit down and get up.
The rising system permits the chair to tip forward, reducing the distance the occupant has to cover when sitting in or getting out of the chair while providing support. The reclining mechanism enables the back of the chair to gradually move backwards towards the horizontal while the front of the chair simultaneously rises to support the feet. This allows for a wide range of positions for the user to sleep, watch television or read a book – especially useful for anyone whose mobility impairment forces them to sit for long periods. Some chairs even have backrests and leg supports that can be adjusted independently.
Some recliners are operated manually by a lever or handle but require a certain amount of strength and mobility to manipulate the chair into the desired position. Others are electrically powered and are operated by hand control; these tend to be heavier and need to be situated near a power point, but they require little or no effort from the sitter.
The traditional view of rise and recline chairs is of bulky and old-fashioned pieces of furniture. However, there is an ever-increasing choice of recliners nowadays that are stylish and complement existing furniture and interiors. There are also several space-saving types available that are ideal where room is limited but which retain the mechanism of their larger alternatives.
For a cheaper alternative to a rise and recline chair, a portable chair riser is an option. This consists of a cushion with a rising mechanism that can be installed on virtually any chair as required. The chair riser works independently of the chair, either by way of a spring or hydraulic system or by electrical power. The manual chair risers usually need to be calibrated to the weight of the user whereas the electrical ones offer more control.
Other options are available for those with more moderate mobility problems but who could still benefit from some assistance sitting and standing. Some companies make furniture whose seats are slightly higher than regular chairs, reducing the strength and effort needed to stand/sit. If a consequence of this is to prevent the feet from touching the ground, a footstool can be used. Chair raisers are another solution. They attach securely to the bottom of existing furniture, typically raising the height by two to five inches, and are a cheap alternative to buying a whole new chair or settee.
