Recliner Lift Chairs Improve Mobility, Safety and Comfort in the Elderly
Filed under Lifts
There are several major problems that may present themselves as people age. Physical infirmities (old age) and limitations may hinder a person’s ability to remain independent in their home. If pain, weakness or balance begins to cause a person to need the help of another in order to rise from a seated position, this can cause ongoing stress on the caregiver as well as the person needing assistance. The elderly are in a particularly vulnerable position when they have to sit and stand from a chair.
Some people who live alone put themselves at risk when rising from a chair due to medical problems. This can be fluctuating blood pressure upon standing, causing falls and injury from dizziness or weakness. Pain in the hips or back, knee pain or stiffness also makes rising from a seated position difficult and dangerous without assistance. For these reasons and more, a handicapped lift chair may be ideal for helping an elderly person stay safe when sitting or standing. Due to the added features of a lift chair, it can also assist a person with breathing problems relax in exactly the position that is needed for bodily comfort.
Recliner Lift Chairs
Lift chairs appear almost identical to a recliner lounge chair, but have electric hand controls. There are buttons that will slowly raise the chair to a semi-standing position. The person only needs to back up to the chair in the raised position and push a second button to lower themselves back to where they were. Another button will tilt the chair back and raise the padded foot platform to allow a person to sleep or relax. Other features and controls may offer heat, vibration, extra padding or extra large sizes. They come in a variety of fabrics and colors as well. With the many varieties available, you can go beyond just function and find one that fits the decorum of your home or office. For example, your lonely black leather couch can now be accompanied with a nice black leather recliner lift chair in your home. Many first time users of power lift recliners find themselves falling asleep in the living room because of the comfort and the many adjustable positions.
Easy Comfort 2-position Lift and Recline Chair
Helps those with arthritis or recently had surgery to sit down or stand up with ease. The 2 settings include a reclining position and a lifting position. Simple to operate.
$471.94 – $599.90
Faulkner XL Recliner Navy Padded with Padded Arms
Experience weightlessness with this “zero gravity” recliner. Lock in many angles from sitting position to reclining position. Relieves muscle tension and stress. Supports up to 350lbs.
$119.95
This is a relaxing chair for the elderly and can help ease their ailments. Someone with breathing problems or COPD will find the semi-upright or angled positions of a recliner assist them in their sleep. Supine or flat sleep positions have shown to cause a buildup of mucus production and this makes it harder for those with breathing problems to sleep. 
As as you can see in the picture, the recliner provides a nice angled backrest. It also lifts and tilts forward to make standing and sitting down easier for the elderly.
Power Lift Recliners and Medicare
The seat lifting mechanism part of the lift chair is covered by Medicare but not the whole chair. Power recliner lift chairs are partially paid for by most insurance plans with a doctor’s prescription. It pays to discuss this with a physician to see if a person qualifies for this handicap equipment based on their medical need. Many medical supply companies carry a good selection of styles. Trying a few out before buying is always the best policy, as they may not accept the chair back if it is returned and insurance has already been billed.
If you are aware of someone in this situation and with a need for handicap chairs, consider exploring all the options to improve their safety, comfort and independence. Some elderly are reluctant in expressing their need for help in these awkward positions. Help make their lives easier by choosing seat lifts or lift chairs to assist in their daily lives.
Tags: Power Lift Recliners
Handicap Bathtub Lifts
Filed under Handicap Bathroom, Lifts
Bathtub Lifts Help People Maintain Their Independence
Elderly people and those with certain handicaps often have a lot of trouble in the shower. The problems occur because the bathroom is naturally a wet environment and so it is very easy to slip. In addition, most bathtubs are equipped with a high curb that requires the user to get in and out by lifting up one leg at a time. This creates instability and is impossible for those who have difficulties with mobility. And since not everyone can afford a handicap shower, we have options. Fortunately, with invention of handicap bath lifts, showering and bathing has become much easier and safer for those who used to have trouble with it.
How many times have you heard of a senior who live alone slipping in the bathtub and breaking a hip? As we age, the independence that we have enjoyed all of our adult lives becomes more and more difficult to maintain because we may not be as physically able to perform certain duties. Elderly people and those with physical handicaps often have to depend on other people, whether professional caregivers or family members, to aid them with bathing.
However, taking a bath or shower should not be dangerous. It should be an activity that can be done alone, and it should be relaxing. Using a handicap bathtub lift is one of the best ways to make sure that those with limited mobility are able to take a safe shower by themselves. A device like this can return to the person, a much-needed sense of freedom and privacy, and away from the dependence that they so often have to deal with.
Bath Lifts
There are many types of bathtub lift seats that are specifically designed to be used in the shower, but bath lifts can assist a person in getting in and out of the bathtub by actually lifting and lowering them in. Then, once the person is safely in the tub, they can use the lift as a chair while they cleanse themselves, minimizing the risk of injury while bathing. The operation of handicap bathroom lifts consists of pressing a button or lever that raises or lowers a person into the water.
How use to a bath lift
- Sit on the side of the bath curb or the padded seats of the bath lift. Use this area to undress and prepare for the bath.
- Situate yourself, find the nearest grab bar and swing your legs into bathing position while using the grab bar as support.
- At this point you should be laying on the handicap bath lift.
- Press the lever to lower yourself into the water.
- Let your muscles relax in the warm bath and just freely lay back to soak in the water.
- When you are done, raise up the seat.
- Slide over to the bath edge and grab the handicap bar.
- Lift your legs over the bath side while holding the bar.
- Rotate on the seat and prepare for drying and redressing.
There are many different companies that manufacture and sell bathtub lifts, and every model varies in price and includes different features. Most units run on a rechargeable battery so that there is no worry about mixing water and electricity together. Also, the majority of the lifts that are available on the market are anchored to the ground by powerful suction cups with a mechanism that makes it easy to remove the lift when it is not needed.
Drive Bellavita Auto Bath Lift
This bathtub lift weighs 20.5 lbs and is capable of lowering you down to 2.3 inches of the tub. With a folding option, this lift can be portable for staying at hotels. The seat height is 18.8 inches, taller than most other tub lifts. It also fits most any bathtubs.
$625 with free shipping
Everyone needs to have something that they can do without help and with dignity. While circumstances can sometimes make this difficult, utilizing handicap bathtub lifts can help significantly.
Tags: Bath Lifts
