November 27, 2023 | Natalie Webber

Who is a riser recliner chair suitable for, and not suitable for?

If you’re considering buying a riser recliner chair, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: is it a suitable seating option for my needs? In this article, we’ll set out what users a riser recliner is suitable for, and, just as importantly, what users a riser recliner isn’t suitable for.

This guide will be a broad overview and you should always get a proper assessment for a definite answer based on your needs.

Jump straight to:

What is a riser recliner chair?

A riser recliner chair is an electric armchair that’s specially designed to help you stand up, sit down and recline. The ‘riser’ function works by lifting the seat base at an angle until you’re in a nearly standing position. It then works in reverse to help you sit down. The ‘recliner’ function works by elevating the legrest and reclining the backrest for a comfortable resting position.

There are different types, styles and sizes of riser recliner chairs, which you can read about in other blogs. If you’re looking for a recommended reading list, here goes!

What is a single motor riser recliner chair? Your ultimate guide

What is a dual motor riser recliner chair? Your ultimate guide

Standard vs made to measure riser recliner chairs: which is best for me?

How to choose a riser recliner chair

What is a riser recliner chair good for?

The rise and recline functions of a riser recliner chair as described above are great for supporting users with limited mobility, who often also have painful joints or medical conditions which make sitting comfort important.

Mobility Support: the standing and sitting assistance that a rise recliner provides makes them a supportive mobility aid, ideal for overcoming the daily challenge of standing up from a chair.
Independence: a riser recliner chair can make it possible to stay independent in your own home, rather than requiring care.
Comfort: you can effectively alleviate aches and pains and improve circulation using a riser recliner, improving your overall health and wellbeing.
Safety: a riser recliner can be an effective way to reduce the risk of falls and pressure sores, keeping you safe and secure in your own home.
Sleep: being able to elevate the legrest and recline the backrest, makes a riser recliner ideal for supporting comfortable rest and sleep, especially if you have a medical condition or swelling which is alleviated by leg elevation.

Recommended Reading: Top health benefits of a riser recliner chair

Who can use a riser recliner chair?

Elderly: as we get older, our mobility typically becomes more limited as joints stiffen and muscles weaken. We also typically sit for longer periods of time, and traditional sofas and armchairs do not support good posture and easy movement – something a rise and recliner chair does!
Disabled People: the mobility support, pressure relief and positioning options a riser recliner chair can offer are all features which make them a good option for a wide range of disabled people, or those with long-term medical conditions.
Chronic Pain Sufferers: the ability to regularly reposition yourself in a riser recliner is beneficial for people who experience chronic pain, whether due to a medical condition, injury or surgery.

Who is a riser recliner chair suitable for?

A riser recliner chair is suitable to be used by adults who:

Are ambulant or semi ambulant but need assistance to get in and out of the chair
Are at low-high risk of pressure sores, or have current pressure damage (subject to clinical assessment)
Need some postural support to maintain good sitting posture

Health conditions a riser recliner chair may be suitable for include:

Arthritis
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s
Stroke
Early to mid-stage dementia
Chronic fatigue
Oedema or fluid retention

In summary, a riser recliner is typically used if you have limited mobility, through frailty or a health condition. A riser recliner supports safer transfers in and out of a chair, reducing your risk of falls. A correctly fitting riser recliner chair will support good posture and, in many cases, provide effective pressure relief.

Who is a riser recliner chair not suitable for?

A riser recliner chair may be unsuitable for adults who:

Are non-ambulant (unless used in conjunction with a compatible transfer device)
Have severe cognitive impairment (unless with a caregiver)
Have complex postural requirements e.g. contractures or limited knee extension
Are less than 5ft in height

Environmental factors which may limit suitability of a riser recliner include:

Severely restricted property access
Very confined room spaces
No access to electric socket

Summary

We trust this introductory guide has given you an understanding about riser recliner chair suitability for a range of users. To discuss your specific needs, why not get in touch?