Golden Lift Chair: Quality from the Ground Up

Getting up from a chair is simple for most people. But those who suffer from arthritis, hip or knee trouble, muscle weakness, or just can't get around as well as they used to may need the extra help that a lift chair gives. A lift chair contains a motor and a mechanism that lifts the chair so that it's easier to sit down or stand up. Lift chairs are manufactured by some furniture companies, but there are also manufacturers that focus exclusively on mobility enhancement products. One such company is Golden Technologies.

In just over 20 years, Golden Technologies has grown from a garage business to one of the largest manufacturers of mobility products. The company became distinctive by manufacturing lift chairs from the ground up instead of modifying an off-the-shelf recliner. Golden Technologies is still run by the Golden family, but has now branched into additional mobility products like scooters and power chairs. In 2002, Golden Technologies assumed the sales and service of Invacare lift chairs.

Golden lift chairs have a reputation for high quality, partly built on the fact that lift chairs were their original product. Golden Technologies is a major employer in the town of Old Forge, Pennsylvania.

Golden lift chairs are offered in four different product lines for a range of needs and budgets. The "Value Series" offer few optional features, but they provide an affordable alternative to individuals on a limited budget who need a lift chair.

There are four different lift chair models in Golden's "Signature Series." Weight capacity of these lift chairs range from 250 to 375 pounds. The Royal has a three pillow back design and full chaise pad, and the Regal lift chair adds a foldable tray and storage compartments. The Space Saver design is good for tight spaces, as it can be operated as close as six inches to the wall. Golden's Relaxer lift chair has a full range of recline positions, and can even be reclined until the user's head is lower than his feet.

The "Traditional Series" includes two different chair models with a weight capacity of 375 pounds. The Williamsburg lift chair is a traditional wingback design. The Pioneer is more contemporary, with a plush seat back and open wooden arms.

Lift chairs in Golden's "Comforter Series" are available in ten different sizes to provide a custom-like fit for individuals. People ranging from under five feet tall to six feet, eight inches can find a lift chair sized to fit. Chair models from the Comforter Series are some of Golden's most popular sellers. The Comforter Series also includes several lift chairs with extra width and lifting ability, with weight capacities up to 700 pounds.

Golden lift chairs are constructed with a 10-gauge steel scissor lifting mechanism. Chair construction is primarily maple wood with overstuffed padding. Anti-skid feet provide extra stability during lifting. The hand control can be disconnected if necessary.

The retail prices of Golden lift chairs range from around $500 to more than $3,000, depending on the product line and lift capacity. Several Internet retailers offer discount Golden Technologies lift chairs, with most reducing the retail price by several hundred dollars. It's also possible to find used Golden lift chairs on Ebay or in classified advertisements.