Buying a lift chair is a big decision with the potential to enhance your everyday life and mobility – or that of an elderly loved one. When starting the search for a lift chair recliner, you will probably find yourself overwhelmed.
After all, the market is filled with lift recliners with different positions, upholstery options and designs. This guide will outline the top 6 questions you need to ask yourself when buying a medical lift chair so as to make the process much easier.
Should you buy or rent a lift chair?
Many Canadian suppliers offer lift chair rental and purchase options. Deciding whether you should buy or rent your lift chair depends on anticipated use. If the user is looking to recover from injury or surgery, or if they are expecting to use the recliner for a limited time, choosing a rental will make most sense.
Renting a lift chair will require that you place a credit card on file with the rental business and most companies rent lift chairs on a monthly basis. If the anticipated use will exceed 6 months, from a financial perspective it might be best to purchase the chair.
That way, you can choose the exact colour and style of your preference to suit your lifestyle and decor. Many quality medical lift chairs for seniors include a 7-10 year warranty which will give you peace of mind as you enjoy your new assistive device.
Also Read: Lift Chair Buying Guide
What size lift chair is best for me?
Lift Chair sizes vary depending on manufacturers. Some models are available in one size – usually corresponding to a size M. Other lift chairs come in a multitude of sizing options, from the standard Small, Medium or Large to more niche Petit Wide, Large-Tall and several bariatric sizes lift chair.
The best course of action when purchasing a medical lift chair is to try it in-person. Nothing beats sitting on a prospective chair and making sure that it fits. If the person is not able to visit a store, they should have their height, weight, hip-to-hip, knee to floor, and knee to back measurements available in order to share with suppliers and find the perfect lift chair for them.
How many positions are in a lift chair?
Lift chairs come in a multitude of positions. There exist two-position lift chairs, three position lift chairs and infinite position lift chairs – some with zero gravity position and some without. The number of positions in a lift chair is determined by the number of motors.
Two and three position lift chairs have one motor – it regulates the lifting of the chair as well as the synchronized lifting and lowering of the backrest and legrest. Infinite position chairs have two motors – the reason why the leg rest and backrest can move independently.
Lift chairs with independent headrest and lumbar controls can have up to four motors. Chairs with trendelenburg position or zero gravity position can place your legs higher than your torso when laying back.
Do you need a lift chair with advanced or simple features?
If you need a simple lift chair that will help you stand up as well as recline to a napping position, you might be interested in a three position lift chair. These chairs feature very simple hand pendants – with an up and down arrow. They are simple to operate and are ideal for elderly individuals whose cognitive abilities are diminished.
Even if you get a three position lift chair, you can still choose heat and massage options in some models. If the person’s cognition is good and they are looking for a full sleeping position as well as possible lumbar and headrest controls, an infinite position chair may be the answer. These more advanced chairs offer more comfort features and versatility.
Also Read: Benefits of Lift Chair Recliner
Will your lift chair fit in your living room?
You should always measure your space before starting to shop for a lift chair recliner. When looking at your space, not only should you measure the width of the space but also how deep it is. That is because you will need enough space when the back of your medical lift chair goes down and the legs come to a horizontal position.
It is also important to look at the style of your existing furnishings – are they modern, transitional or traditional? Is your decor in greys or neutral, warm tones? All those considerations will come into place to help you find a lift chair to fit your home.
Who will service your lift chair?
Most modern lift chairs are high quality and offer great warranty terms. But what if that warranty needs to be honoured? What if your chair needs servicing past its warranty expiry date? Finding a retailer that offers servicing for your lift chair in case of technical issues like motor malfunction, hand pendant replacements and upholstery damage should always be top of mind.
Buying your lift chair from an online store without a brick and mortar presence might save you a couple hundred dollars up front. But when the time comes to have your chair fixed, it is good to know that the supplier you chose stands behind the product.
Final Words
Buying a lift chair is a big decision – but we hope that by asking yourself and mobility experts these questions, that process will become easier. The more information you gather about your needs before starting the search will help you narrow down our market’s large lift chair selection until you zone into the perfect one for you.
If you are looking for medical lift chairs in Canada, Vital Mobility offers a large selection of always in-stock lift chairs at discounted prices. Speak with our experts today at 905-532-9494, visit our stores or shop online at vitalmobility.ca
