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7 Important Things to Check Before You Select an Electric Lift Chair
by
Dan Greenwood
An electric powered lift chair is one of the most helpful things someone with poor balance or muscle weakness can own. While not perfect for everyone, a good lift chair will enable the user to follow medical instructions about keeping legs elevated and reduce the chance of a fall while standing up and sitting down. However, if someone chooses the wrong chair it can be not only uncomfortable, but downright dangerous.
Electric lift chairs look like standard recliners, which means that they do not stand out as “medical equipment” in any home. These chairs use the power of a motor to raise and lower the entire chair. When the owner is ready to sit or stand the chair slowly rises up or lowers while the user “rides” a sitting or standing position.
While Medicare does not cover the cost of a lift chair, with a physician’s prescription they do cover the cost of the motor. Medicare usually reimburses the cost of these motors up to approximately $300. The purchaser must cover the cost differential between the motor reimbursement and the full cost of the chair.
Often used lift chairs are available. Check with local medical equipment providers and sources such as Craig’s list. Be very certain if purchasing a used lift chair that the upholstery is clean and has no odor. Unfortunately, some people have incontinent episodes in their lift chairs. You do not want to purchase a chair where anyone had an accident!
Lift Chair Checklist: The Seven Most Important Things to Check When Selecting a Motorized Lift Chair
1. Before choosing a chair, examine the amount of space available in the room where it will go. If space is limited, look for a design that will not require a great deal of empty space behind the chair. “Wall hugger” chairs will move forward into the room, rather than back toward the wall, when a sitter reclines.
2. Will the user be napping or sleeping in the chair? Choose a three-position chair. If the individual will never want to recline fully, a two-position chair will be more than adequate.
3. Choose a chair that is rated for the individual’s weight, and that is neither too big or too small. When the chair is in the upright seated position, the user’s feet should rest flat on the floor. If feet dangle in the air without reaching the ground, the chair is too high or too deep, or both.
4. Be aware of where the electric control is located. If the user has difficulty using one arm or hand, you will want the control on the strong side. It should not have to stretch across the sitter’s body to be used.
5. Is there battery backup in case of power failure?
6. Look for upholstery that is easy to clean. If incontinence may be an issue, choose vinyl or another water-resistant upholstery. If the end user is a nibbler and snacker, choose a fabric that is scrubbable. Beware of very light-toned and solid color fabrics. Tweeds and multi-toned colors generally show fewer stains and less wear.
7. Ask about warranties and guarantees. Motors do ultimately wear out, but there should be coverage for a specific time frame.
Simply keep these seven tips in mind before you purchase a lift chair and you will substantially increase your chance of being happy with your selection. As the popularity of lift chairs has grown, so too have the style options. From small and elegant wingbacks to overstuffed and oversized, there are lift chairs for just about every need, height, weight and decor.
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