Beginner's Guide to Medical Lift Chairs

By Anna Hazard

Tis the season for holiday sales and so it's the best time to find a deal if you've been considering a medical lift chair for you or your loved ones.
 
Medical lift chairs (also known as lift chair recliners, power chairs,  or riser recliners) can help those with mobility problems -- or whose legs simply need that added extra "oomph" -- to stand up or sit down by changing the positioning of the chair itself from vertical to sitting (or reclining if you choose that style).
 
These types of chairs can be broken down into five main categories (from most economical to priciest) as seat lifts, 2 position, 3 position, infinite position, and zero gravity.

Seat Lifts

The most economical and space saving way to boost one's ability to sit down and stand up, these are not entire chairs in themselves, but spring-loaded or electric cushions that you add into an existing chair. This is the only option that can be easily taken on the go from location to location. Spring loaded versions tend to be for firmer seating only, while electric powered can work with softer cushioning (such as those found in plush la-z-boy style recliners)

Two Position

The most economical alternative for a full lift chair, besides the vertical standing position, these types of chairs are also capable of a normal sitting position as well as a partly reclined (around 45 degrees for watching TV or reading) position. The foot/ottoman of the chair will automatically rise as the back begins reclining.

Three Position

A medium price alternative, besides the vertical standing position, these types of chairs can recline nearly fully back (similar to a la-z-boy). While the foot/ottoman of the chair will automatically rise as the back reclines, the chair's position can be stopped anywhere in-between full recline and sitting up.

Infinite Position

A higher priced alternative, besides the vertical standing position, these types of chairs can move to any angle of position from vertical/standing, to sitting, to fully horizontal/sleeping. The chair's back and foot/ottoman can be operated separately

Zero Gravity

The most expensive option, these chairs will levitate around the room to-- no, sorry, no magical flying chairs here. These chairs offer all the benefits of the infinite position chair (capability to stay in any angle between vertical, full sitting, and fully horizontal with the chair back & foot/ottoman being separately operable) it can also assume the zero gravity position used by astronauts in NASA that supposedly takes stress off the body, particularly the spine, and evenly distributes the sitter's weight.

Besides the style of chair, a few other options to keep in mind include the size of the room where the chair will kept (smaller room space will require a more compact chair), the size of the person sitting in the chair (chairs can range from petite size to tall heavy duty), length of time spent in chair (longer periods of sitting may require the softer pillow back cushions or cloth upholstery instead of leather/vinyl). The higher priced versions also come with amenities such as cupholders, trays, massage capability, and heated cushions.

Leather

The premium choice in looks and expensive, this also has the benefit of being more durable and easier to clean (in the case of spills and accidents) than cloth upholstered chairs and is generally considered more comfortable than vinyl alternatives.

Vinyl

A less expensive alternative to leather with a similar look, this also has the benefit of being the most durable and easiest finish to clean after spills and accidents. Vinyl, however, is generally considered the less comfortable to sit on compared to leather or cloth.

Upholstered

The most economical alternative in cushioning, the pillow backed version (lacking buttons) would be the softest choice for those who will be spending extended amounts of time in the chair

Lift chairs can be widely found from local stores such as Walmart/Sam's Club, Walgreens, Sears, Valu-city as well as ordered from places that places that specialize in lift chairs such as Pride Mobility and Spin Life.

Also keep in mind that when using suppliers that meet Medicare's guidelines, while the chair's entire expense will not be covered, you may be eligible for up to $300 in reimbursement if your doctor signs a Certificate of Medical Necessity