Best Recliner Chairs for the Elderly
The best recliner chairs for the elderly offer more than comfort by addressing key health concerns. At Repose, we design chairs that provide essential postural support, effective pressure relief, and advanced mechanisms to enhance mobility and independence.
Discover Our Best Recliner Chairs for the Elderly
Our recliner chairs provide vital support, enhancing safety, independence, and comfort for every elderly individual.
Risks and Health Conditions in the Elderly Generation
As we age, muscles tend to lose strength, endurance, and flexibility, affecting coordination, stability, and balance. Each of these physical effects can be categorised as ‘geriatric syndromes,’ which include frailty, urinary incontinence, falls, delirium, and pressure ulcers.
Common Diseases Associated With Ageing:
- Arthritis - Causes joint pain and stiffness, necessitating chairs with easy-to-use features and extra cushioning.
- Osteoporosis - Weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. A stable chair with solid support is essential.
- Cardiovascular Diseases - Conditions like hypertension or heart disease may require chairs that promote proper circulation and comfort.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease - Memory and cognitive decline may call for chairs with clear, intuitive features to reduce confusion.
- Diabetes - This can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, making pressure-relieving chairs necessary.
- Parkinson’s Disease - Tremors and reduced motor skills may require chairs with non-slip surfaces and additional support for stability.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Chairs with recliners may be needed to aid breathing.
- Pressure Ulcers - Common in individuals with reduced mobility, requiring specialised pressure-relieving cushions.
How Seating Can Support Older People
Recliner chairs should suit your needs and requirements, no matter how unique they may be, and provide comfort.
The ideal sitting position involves a symmetrical pelvis, with weight evenly distributed on your ‘sit bones’, also known as ischial bursa, which is located at the lower part of your pelvic bone, under the buttock muscles. Your ‘sit bones’ help absorb your weight when sitting. Circle Integrated Care (UK) states that this area can become inflamed when sat for too long or subjected to repetitive stress. In some cases, this inflammation can develop into pressure ulcers.
This is just one of many important physiological considerations that should be taken into account when selecting the right chair for older people who have low levels of mobility.
Recliner Chairs Can Aid the Following:
Posture and Spinal Alignment
Poor posture can exacerbate existing health issues such as arthritis, reduced mobility, or circulatory problems, while also diminishing overall quality of life.
The best recliner chairs are tailored with ergonomic support to promote natural spine, hips, and shoulders alignment.
We provide features such as independent recline, lumbar support, and customisable seating positions to ensure that each chair is adapted to the user’s unique needs, enhancing both comfort and functionality.
Pressure Relief
Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to pressure build-up on sensitive areas of the body, such as the lower back, hips, and tailbone, increasing the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
We use high-quality cushioning materials and options for adjustable positioning allowing the chairs to adapt to each individual’s needs, ensuring both comfort and effective pressure management.
Mobility
As mobility challenges increase with age, transitioning between sitting, standing, and reclining positions can become difficult and strain muscles and joints. Our chairs tackle this with innovative mechanisms such as powered lift-and-tilt functions, which gently assist users in standing up or sitting down with minimal effort.
These features reduce the risk of falls and provide a sense of security, enabling elderly individuals to move with greater confidence.
Finding Seating to Suit Your Needs
As we age, our muscles lose strength, endurance and flexibility. This affects our coordination and independence, making daily tasks more challenging.
The right chair can transform the quality of life for the elderly by assisting with the following:
- Independence
- Mobility
- Managing symptoms associated with chronic health conditions
When selecting a recliner chair for an elderly person, it is important to consider the following features to ensure it meets their specific needs:
- Chair seat depth
- Back cushion
- Seat width
- Chair seat to back angle
- Chair armrests (height and length)
- Headrest
Choosing the Right Mechanism
Manual Recliners
Manual recliners may suit individuals with sufficient strength and dexterity to operate levers, but these can be challenging for those with arthritis or reduced mobility.
Power Recliners
Power recliners are operated via remote control or buttons, offering a more user-friendly solution, especially for those who need assistance adjusting positions.
People with significant mobility challenges will need help transitioning safely from sitting to standing with minimal effort. We recommend the VAL (Variable Angle Lift Technology) mechanism which can lift a person onto their feet, from a 10 - 30-degree angle.
We can customise mechanisms in most of our recliner chairs to suit your requirements. Here are some of the mechanisms available:
FAQs for Best Recliner Chairs for the Elderly
Yes, we offer a wide range of customisation options, including adjustable seat dimensions, specialised cushions, and bespoke upholstery. Our chairs can also be tailored with additional features such as headrests, lateral supports, and integrated accessories like heat and massage or reading lights.