Ultimate Guide to Lift Chairs: Safe Usage Tips for Enhanced Mobility

Lift chairs offer comfort and independence for those facing mobility challenges, seamlessly aiding in the transition from sitting to standing. To maximise the benefits while ensuring safety, it’s important to understand the correct way to operate your lift chair. This guide breaks down the process into simple steps, ensuring you or your loved ones can enjoy the full advantages of a lift chair without the worry of accidents.

Choose the Right Lift Chair:

Before using a lift chair, ensure it is the right size and style for your needs. The chair should provide proper support and comfort. Make sure the lift chair’s weight capacity is suitable for your body weight. You can visit us at GMobility for assistance with selecting the right chair for you.

Position the Lift Chair:

Ensure the lift chair is in an open space, free from obstacles and with enough room for the chair to fully recline and rise. At GMobility, we offer delivery and installation and can assist you with positioning your chair correctly.

Getting In

Step 1: Approach the chair.

Stand in front of the chair with your back facing it. For your safety, ensure that the chair is in a fully raised position. This is important because:

• Raising the Chair Activates the Braking System: The chair’s braking system is engaged when the chair is in the raised position, preventing unintended movement while you are getting into the chair. If you enter the chair with the seat in the lowered position, the chair may move around on its castors.
• With the seat raised, you can position your bottom right back in the seat. Sitting right back in the chair will promote good posture and ensure optimal leg support.
• By raising the chair, you can gently lower yourself onto the seat. Dropping onto the seat can cause damage to the chair or injury to the user.

Step 2: Adjust your position

Position yourself as close as possible to the chair, ensuring that the back of your knees are touching the edge of the seat.

Step 3: Bend your knees

Bend your knees slightly and hold the armrests for support on the sides of the chair. Keep a firm grip for stability. Most Oscar lift chairs feature timber hand grips to provide a firm surface to grip during transfers.

Step 4: Lower yourself onto the seat

Carefully lower yourself onto the seat, using your leg muscles for support and control. Aim to be right back on the seat for the best seated posture when the chair is lowered.

Step 5: Adjust your position

Once seated, make sure you are centred in the chair with your back against the backrest. Your feet should be resting flat on the floor.

Step 6: Lower the chair to the seated position

Using the hand control, slowly lower the chair to the seated position. You will feel the chair pause when you reach the seated position.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Now that you’re safely seated in your Oscar lift chair, sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfort and convenience it provides.

Getting Out

Step 1: Adjust the Lift Chair

Before attempting to stand, adjust the lift chair to a raised position using the remote control. This will provide additional assistance in getting up.

Step 2: Scoot Forward

Move to the front edge of the seat by scooting forward. Ensure your feet are firmly planted on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

Step 3: Use Armrests for Support

Place your hands on the armrests for stability and leverage. Push through your arms to lift your body from the chair gradually.

Step 4: Stand Up Slowly

Shift your weight forward while pushing through your legs. Stand up slowly, making sure you are fully upright before attempting to walk.

By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can safely and confidently use a lift chair. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice on using assistive devices and consider having a family member or carer present until you are comfortable and confident with the process.

Lift Chairs at GMobility

Choosing a suitable lift and recline chair involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure both comfort and functionality for individuals facing mobility challenges. The right chair not only aids in standing and sitting but also contributes to independence and well-being.

At GMobility, we take great pride in providing our clients with products that improve their comfort and independence. You can visit one of our show rooms and check out our range of lift chairs with the assistance of our knowledgeable team.

We offer:

• Customised lift chairs
• Lift chair rentals
• Lift chair purchases
• Delivery and installation

Contact us here for more information.