There are many conditions that may limit someone's ability to move around on their own. Age is certainly a major factor, but there are diseases that can make simple movements almost impossible. The symptoms of arthritis, Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), and other conditions all limit mobility in some way.
A movement that is quite easy for most of us might be nearly impossible for people in this situation. They can be defeated by the challenge of sitting down and then standing back up again. For people whose mobility is limited like this, a lift chair recliner can truly change their lives.
A lift chair recliner is first of all a recliner. The recliner chair concept was originally designed in wooden slats for outdoor use. Cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker founded Floral City Furniture to manufacture and market the recliner. The idea was for the chair to support the contours of the human body in both a seated or reclined position. The upholstered recliner for year-round use was first introduced in 1929. Soon after, the chair was given a name: La-Z-Boy.
Most of us are aware of the many features that have appeared on recliners, most of which are designed for maximum comfort. But recliner lift chairs add a function that is meant to bring new independence to people with limited mobility. Recliner lift chairs rise up to meet the user. Using an electric motor, the chair slowly rises until someone standing in front of it merely has to lean backwards, perch on the edge, and then allow the motor to reverse and lower the chair into a seated position.
From that point, the recliner lift chair can be adjusted to a wide range of positions to increase comfort or aid in circulation. The chair also provides good back support and is comfortable enough to allow people to stay in it for long periods of time.
Some recliner lift chair are manually operated in the reclined position. This means that an electric motor is used only when the chair is being raised or lowered. After the user is seated, they can recline by using manual levers. It's also possible to buy a power lift recliner chair that not only lifts and lowers using electric motors, but also reclines to several positions just by pressing a button.
If you are imagining that special chairs probably look like some piece of hospital equipment, then think again. Lift recliner chairs come in a wide range of styles and materials. You can find practically any color or style to match your home's decor. There are also many different types of upholstery available. You can even find leather lift recliner chairs that are covered in genuine leather.
A leather lift recliner chair may be more expensive at the start, but will probably be easier to clean and may last longer than traditional fabrics. Then again, fabric upholstery may be more compatible with your taste. Other features available on lift recliner chairs include massage units, heating pads, and extra pockets (you know, for all those remote controls). Some units even have matching furniture pieces available to finish out the room.
No one really knows if advancing years or progressive illnesses might cause you or a family member to lose the ability to move freely and independently. If it does happen, then a lift recliner chair can restore your ability to sit and to stand, and it will provide comfort and support while you relax.
Recliner lift chairs bring new independence to people with limited mobility