5 Signs It’s Time to Invest in a Lift Chair or Riser Recliner
Choosing the right support for an ageing loved one can be a sensitive decision. As mobility begins to decline, everyday activities such as sitting down, standing up, or getting comfortable in a chair can become more challenging and even risky. While family members and caregivers may want to help, knowing when to step in—and what kind of help to offer—is not always straightforward. One practical and dignified solution that many people overlook is the lift chair for elderly users, also known as a riser recliner.
These chairs are specifically designed to make standing up and sitting down safer and more manageable. They provide gentle, powered assistance with repositioning, which can make a world of difference for someone with mobility limitations. But when exactly is it time to consider investing in one? In this article, we’ll explore five clear signs that it might be the right moment to introduce a lift chair into your loved one’s home.
1. Difficulty Standing Up from a Seated Position
One of the earliest signs that a lift chair for elderly individuals may be beneficial is the noticeable difficulty in rising from a seated position. Perhaps your parent or relative has started pushing themselves up from the arms of the chair or needs to rock forward several times before they can stand. In more serious cases, they may even need assistance from another person to get upright.
This change may not seem drastic at first, but it often signals a loss of lower body strength, balance, or coordination. And while it’s a common part of ageing, it can have a significant impact on a person’s independence and self-esteem. A lift chair takes away the strain by slowly tilting and lifting the user into a standing position at the press of a button. It removes the struggle and offers comfort without compromising dignity.
More importantly, it allows the user to remain more independent for longer. Being able to sit and stand on one’s own encourages autonomy, which in turn supports emotional wellbeing. It also helps reduce the physical strain placed on caregivers, who may otherwise be called upon for help several times a day.
2. Strain on the Knees, Hips, or Lower Back
Joint pain is another key indicator that it may be time to consider a riser recliner. Ageing joints—particularly in the knees, hips, and lower back—can make transitions from sitting to standing more painful or awkward. Conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and joint degeneration are particularly common in elderly people and often lead to stiffness, inflammation, and reduced flexibility.
Even when someone is able to stand up independently, the movement may cause noticeable discomfort. You may see your loved one wincing, pausing before standing, or holding onto furniture for extra support. Over time, these moments of hesitation can increase the risk of a fall.
A lift chair eliminates the pressure that standing up places on the joints. Instead of pushing up from a deep seated position, the user is gradually lifted to a near-standing posture, from which they can walk away without strain. This ease of movement can reduce pain, prevent unnecessary wear on the joints, and increase daily comfort.
Additionally, these chairs are designed to support proper body alignment while sitting. By maintaining correct posture, they can relieve pressure points and help manage chronic joint discomfort—even while resting.
Mr. Mobility provides a comprehensive range of mobility aids and home care products designed to improve independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges in South Africa. Their offerings include mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds, and bathroom aids, along with equipment rental options. With nationwide delivery and 24/7 customer support, they ensure a seamless experience for their customers. Mr. Mobility is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and personalized service, making them a trusted partner in mobility solutions.
3. Recovering from Surgery or Illness
If your loved one is currently recovering from surgery, a fall, or a period of illness that has impacted their mobility, a lift chair for elderly recovery can provide crucial support during the healing process. Surgical procedures involving the spine, hips, or knees often come with strict guidelines about bending, twisting, or bearing weight. Traditional chairs do not offer the support or adjustability required to follow these instructions safely.
A riser recliner allows the user to control how much they move, providing smooth and adjustable transitions between lying, sitting, and standing. This control is especially important for those who need to avoid sudden movements or overexertion.
In addition, these chairs often come with multiple recline options, making them ideal for activities like napping, reading, or elevating the legs to reduce swelling. They offer better postural support than a standard sofa or armchair, which can speed up recovery and reduce complications. For temporary needs, families may even look into hiring a riser recliner, depending on what is available locally.
Recovery is a critical time when people are at increased risk of losing independence. A lift chair can help prevent that by allowing the person to participate in daily routines without over-relying on others.
4. Increased Risk of Falling
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the elderly. They often result from a combination of muscle weakness, poor balance, dizziness, or difficulty with standing and walking. If your loved one has had a recent fall—or is showing signs that they may be at risk—then reducing the need for difficult transitions becomes a priority.
A riser recliner helps to minimise the danger during one of the most fall-prone activities: getting in and out of a chair. Many falls happen in the living room or bedroom when someone attempts to stand too quickly, loses their balance, or misjudges their strength. With a powered lift function, the chair supports the user’s weight throughout the entire motion, giving them better control and footing as they rise.
Additionally, most lift chairs are designed with stability in mind. They sit firmly on the floor, don’t rock, and feature armrests that provide solid hand support. The remote-control function is intuitive and can be operated without the need for complicated settings.
Preventing a fall before it happens is far easier—and safer—than managing the consequences afterward. If your loved one is showing signs of imbalance or hesitation, a lift chair could be an effective and reassuring safety upgrade.
5. Needing Better Postural Support When Resting
Comfort plays a major role in health and wellbeing, especially for people who spend extended periods of time sitting or resting. Standard armchairs often lack the support needed to maintain proper spinal alignment, distribute weight evenly, or relieve pressure points.
A lift chair for elderly users typically includes customisable recline positions, which allow the user to find the exact angle that supports their body best. Whether sitting upright to read or reclining to nap, the chair can be adjusted to reduce discomfort in the neck, back, hips, or legs. This adaptability is particularly useful for those with circulatory issues, spinal conditions, or general frailty.
Some chairs allow the user to elevate their legs above heart level, which can help with swelling, circulation, and overall relaxation. This level of personal comfort not only improves physical health but also contributes to a sense of control and emotional calm—something that becomes even more valuable with age.
If your loved one seems restless, frequently shifts position, or avoids sitting in their usual chair because it’s no longer comfortable, then a riser recliner may offer the relief they need.
Other Indicators It Might Be Time
While the five signs above are the most common reasons families invest in a lift chair, there are several other subtle signs to watch for:
- Your loved one chooses to remain standing rather than sit because it’s too hard to get up again
- They stop spending time in the lounge and prefer to stay in bed
- Carers are beginning to experience physical strain from helping the person in and out of chairs
- The person begins to isolate socially because mobility within the home has become a challenge
These small changes often signal a larger shift in what the person needs to live comfortably and safely. Addressing these early can reduce stress and prevent future injury or decline.
Mr. Mobility provides a comprehensive range of mobility aids and home care products designed to improve independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges in South Africa. Their offerings include mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds, and bathroom aids, along with equipment rental options. With nationwide delivery and 24/7 customer support, they ensure a seamless experience for their customers. Mr. Mobility is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and personalized service, making them a trusted partner in mobility solutions.
Choosing the Right Lift Chair for Elderly Loved Ones
Once you’ve decided it’s time for a lift chair, selecting the right model is the next step. It’s important to consider:
- Size and height of the user
- Type of fabric and cushioning
- Number of recline positions
- Remote control usability
- Stability and floor space requirements
Mr Mobility offers a selection of riser recliners carefully chosen for comfort, ease of use, and reliable performance. Each product is designed to promote safety, dignity, and comfort—exactly what you’d want for someone you care about.
Our team can help you assess what chair best suits your needs and offer clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
Final Thoughts: Comfort and Confidence at Home
A lift chair for elderly individuals is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s a tool that restores confidence, promotes independence, and improves quality of life. For someone who has begun to struggle with sitting, standing, or resting comfortably, the difference can be immediate and profound.
If your loved one shows any of the five signs covered in this blog—difficulty standing, joint strain, recent surgery, fall risk, or poor postural support—then now may be the right time to invest in a riser recliner. It’s a small change that can have a lasting impact.
Visit www.mrmobility.co.za to explore available options or speak to our friendly team. We’re here to help you choose the right support at the right time—because dignity, comfort, and safety should always be within reach.