Arthritis and Lift Chairs

There are a number of diseases and conditions that can make it much more difficult for a person to be able to safely stand and sit. However, arthritis is one of the most common of these types of disorders. It is often thought that arthritis is only able to affect seniors, but this is not the case. People of all ages can be affected by arthritis, but there are several types of arthritis are inn deed much more common among the elderly.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis coming in a close second. Both of these types of arthritis are characterized by joint inflammation and joint pain. Often this pain will be present in the morning and after having been immobile for an extended period of time, such as when sitting to watch some television or to take a nap. As a result, it is often incredibly difficult for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis to come to a standing position on their own and without assistance.

Since it is often very difficult for a senior with arthritis to get out of a normal chair, many seniors and those with arthritis turn to lifting aids to make it easier to stand up. One of the most common and well recognized lifting aids is the lift chair. A lift chair offers a number of the same features as a recliner and in fact looks very similar to most high-end recliners. However, lift chairs actually contain a lifting system that raises the seated individual to a standing position. They also allow the individual to sit in a much safer and more controlled manner.

The lift chair offers a number of advantages over other types of lifting solutions, because not only can it be used independently, but it is also very safe. To use a lift chair, the individual merely pushes the up button on the chairs attached hand control and the entire chair, occupant and all, will slowly rise into the air. After it has completed the rising process, the senior or other individual can exit the chair upright and on their feet. When it is time to sit down, they can lean against the chair and press the down button to be lowered to a sitting position in a safe controlled manner.

While the lift chair does in fact raise into the air, it does so very slowly and does not dump the occupant out of the chair. Instead, the seat remains at an angle that allows the individual to exit the chair if desired, but does not force them to do so.

A lift chair provides a much safer alternative to using a walker or rollator to get out of a chair, which might slip under the weight and pressure of the person using it as a standing aid. It also is much more cost effective than relying on a paid nurse or putting the added strain on a loved one who must provide a helping hand.

Arthritis can be a very serious disease and there is no cure, however through proper treatment and using mobility assistant devices, such as the lift chair, much of the effects can be minimized.