Posted on 01/12/2025 8:04:19 PM PST by simpson96
I have an elderly relative - female, about 5' 4", 160 pounds, who is in need of one.
She's been researching on the web, but there are so many makes and models out there, it's making her head spin.
She's not interested in a "big" (oversized) model, or concerned with it having heat or massage, just something to assist with getting up, that will also recline, and have a comfortable head-resting area and a footrest that won't be too short (a problem she's seen in reviews of some models).
She's willing to go to a showroom and do a "test drive" - but that would likely be limited to going to just one place due to her mobility issues, so some advice or feedback from anyone who owns one, or knows someone who owns one, would be helpful.
Thank you!
My mom was petite. We had to get her a short one. Meaning when she sat in it, her feet could reach the ground pretty easily. Unfortunately, I wasn’t local to her when they went through the purchasing part. I’ll ask my sister tomorrow and try to get back with you.
Advice is, if possible depending on where you live, go to a store and test various models. Then use the website to negotiate a price from a local dealer.
When my dad got ill we took him but we lived in a city with a lot of furniture stores.
Big Lots usually has ‘em.
Could talking to senior assist type businesses work?
I bought my wife’s hospital bed and air mattress from med mart, they also have wheelchairs and powerlift chairs and a very helpful sales staff.
My wife has a La-z-boy lift recliner. It’s small and very comfortable - I would recommend it. Simple up-down control, smooth, silent operation, firm support and well made. You can get cheapo ones on Amazon for 300 bucks and up, but we wanted something that will last, especially with a cat in the house. La-z-boy has lots of clearance sales - might can get one at a reasonable price if you’re willing to wait.
I bought one just before hip replacement. I went to a furniture store showroom. There are SO MANY to choose from. Mine is by England, built in the USA (TN). We have been happy with it, and be it’s almost five years old with daily use.
I would suggest NOT going to a medical supply b store. I could be wrong, but I always felt they were overpriced, and people expected to pay more because they were “specialty”. And they did pay more.
DH is a scientist and researches the s#it out of everything we buy. He felt that buying from a regular store gave the same quality, generally.
Anyhow, just my opinion, FWIW.
Amazon Basics Outdoor Textilene Adjustable Zero Gravity Folding Reclining Lounge Chair with Pillow, 26”, Beige
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0716DKHS1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I work with a guy whose 79 year old dad has a motorized recliner. Power went out and my pal got the call, “I gotta go!”luckily we work nearby. A battery backup is something to see about.
And mine is a lift, which you said you need.
Read The instruction manual. Is you alive?
Comfort & padding - it may double as a bed (regular sleep & naps). Consider material (especially if incontinence an issue).
Sounds trivial, but make sure it is appealing style-wise, color, matching the room, etc. If one is going to spend time in it, it should be welcoming aesthetically.
Make sure they can get in and out (feet touch the floor? power standing option?)
Check clearance - behind and sides.
Check outlets - location, plug compatibility, won’t blow a circuit breaker.
Don’t skimp - spend a little extra to make sure it’s sturdy, comfortable, etc.
Not sure, but sometimes insurance or medicare might pay for this, depending on the situation.
We bought a used one from Craiglist back in the days when that was where you went for one. Turned out the lady we bought it from was the best friend of my long lost Aunt by marriage that I had had no contact with for 20+ years.
I would truly recommend that you take her on multiple days to multiple stores and let her rest in between. The wrong chair will drive you batty. People’s bodies are so incredibly different and almost every chair will be uncomfortable in SOME way until you find YOUR chair and then, miraculously, it fits. Your whole body suddenly relaxes and you know THIS is your chair.
Next to that, if that truly isn’t possible, look into a store that sells Ekornes Stressless recliners.
One store will carry all versions of this one recliner will all the minor differences that make it likely that one of them will be HER chair. Most are push back recliner, but they also have powered recline with an attached footrest.
I sleep in a recliner, so I’ve got 4 different ones in the house just for me. Husband has a 5th which I can’t use. Shopping for recliners is one of my hobbies, unfortunately.
I’m looking at Lazy Boy recliner electric for 5 foot 4 and under.
LaZboy.
Very nice lift chairs.
You can probably find used ones on Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
All the recliner chairs we tested for me (5’) were all too big. Not necessarily a bad thing for me because I sleep in it too. But I do have 2 large pillows standing upright so there won’t be a gap between my back and the back of the chair. My legs are just too short to find a chair that fit. I hope you find a good fit!
I bought one for my wife when she was sick with cancer. The power recliner was very useful.
Also, I recommend getting one that reclines fully, so that the person has the option of sleeping in it on occasion.
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