Which Chairs Are Best for the Elderly?

As we get older, we often spend more time sitting down due to stiff joints, increased pain and reduced confidence in mobility. Choosing a chair that supports proper posture and circulation while remaining comfortable is essential. 

From reclining chairs to electric riser recliners, armchairs and fireside chairs, how can you choose the best for your elderly loved one? Today, we’ll explore which chairs are best for your elderly loved ones to help you make your decision.

The Importance of Good Seating

When sitting upright, the body requires several muscles to maintain a ‘correct’ posture. As we get older, our muscles often become weaker and fatigue more quickly, which can lead to leaning on one side or slouching while sitting. 

Poor posture can have several negative effects on a person’s health. For example, it can lead to chest, lung and urinary tract infections. These can recur if not properly managed, potentially increasing the risk of frailty. 

Seated posture can also increase the risk of sliding and falling from the chair, which may cause fear, pain and discomfort. Sliding can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers, which can become infected and pose a risk to your loved one’s health. 

Poor seating may also negatively impact a person’s ability to breathe and their appetite, reducing quality of life.

Being supported by an ergonomic, supportive chair can dramatically improve your loved one’s physical function. The right chair and proper positioning can significantly improve their posture and positively impact overall health and well-being.

What Types of Chairs Are Available for Older Adults?

There are several chairs on the market designed to help older adults remain comfortable and supported.

These can be broken down into four main categories: 

Riser Recliners/Lift Chairs

Riser recliner chairs have two main functions: a riser function to help safely transfer from sitting to standing, and a recline function to boost comfort. They can be helpful for older adults who need a little help sitting and standing safely throughout the day, while maintaining their mobility and independence.

However, riser recliner chairs typically don’t offer pressure management, posture support, or tilt in space. They aren’t recommended for individuals with low mobility who can’t shift their weight independently. 

Geri Chairs

Geri chairs are standard size hospital chairs that can be used for transport within the hospital. They are typically able to accommodate slings for hoists and patient lifts, but they aren’t adjustable in size. They may offer a degree of back angle recline and leg elevation, and can be made of hospital-grade material for easy cleaning.

Geri chairs are best suited for mobility rather than long-term sitting. They often have minimal padding and can become uncomfortable, especially for older adults who have difficulty repositioning. 

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are mainly suitable for outdoor mobility and traveling over distances. There are many different types of wheelchairs available, from self-propelled to electric. Some can be created with a molded seat for extra comfort.

Wheelchairs should not be used for long periods of time throughout the day. They often lack vital pressure management and can’t support posture, which is essential for individuals with declining mobility and function.

To learn more, read our helpful guide on choosing the best wheelchair for elderly parents.

Therapeutic Chairs

Therapeutic chairs are often designed by occupational therapists to meet specific needs. They can offer support for posture, head-to-toe pressure management and extra comfort. Depending on your loved one’s medical needs, they can also include other features to support symptom relief. 

Therapeutic chairs can often be adjusted to accommodate your loved one’s changing needs as their condition progresses, meaning one chair can last for much longer than other types of chairs. One downside is that these are often more expensive than other types of chairs for the elderly. 

Classic High Back Armchairs

Classic armchairs with a high backrest are a popular option for older adults. They offer essential support for the back and neck, helping individuals who spend long periods sitting maintain a healthy posture.

However, high-back arm chairs may encourage slouching or sliding, especially if they lack sufficient padding. Your loved one may need to be monitored while using the chair to ensure their posture remains intact to avoid future discomfort. 

Ergonomic Armchairs

Ergonomic armchairs are built for better comfort than standard alternatives, while still maintaining excellent posture. Features often include lumbar support to reduce pain in your loved one’s lower back, and adjustable armrests and depth for maximum comfort tailored to individual bodies. 

The best ergonomic armchair will find the right balance between comfort and functionality, as some may be too soft or padded to make sitting and standing manageable. 

Features to Consider When Buying a Chair for an Elderly Loved One

Choosing a chair for an older adult isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

Here are the most important features to consider before making a purchase: 

1. Comfort

Comfort is key, especially for individuals who will spend the majority of their time in their new chair. If a chair isn’t comfortable for your loved one, it’ll offer very little value. The best chair can help older adults spend less time in bed and therefore improve quality of life. 

2. Adjustability

Chairs that can be adjusted will meet long term and changing needs. An adjustable width, height and recline can ensure your loved one is always properly positioned in their chair, improving posture and reducing discomfort. 

3. Pressure Management

When a person sits for long periods of time throughout their day, or is unable to shift their weight as they become uncomfortable, pressure management is essential. This reduces the risk of developing pressure sores, which can increase the risk of complications and hospital admissions. 

4. Full Body Support

A chair can support every part of your loved one’s body, including their head, neck, midline, and legs. Poor head control can impact breathing and feeding, while lateral support can increase comfort and impact breathing, swallowing and the digestive system. 

5. Foot Rests

Our feet hold 19% of our body weight. If your loved one has reduced mobility, they’ll need to load their feet on a leg rest, footplate or the ground for extra stability and manage pressure redistribution throughout the body. 

6. Hoist Compatibility

If your loved one regularly uses a hoist, we recommend choosing a chair that is hoist compatible. Even if they’re not currently using a hoist, consider whether this is a possibility for the future. You may need a hoist-compatible chair if their level of mobility is likely to continue declining. 

7. Tilt in Space

Tilt in space is an important function which helps your loved one adjust their position throughout the day. This feature facilitates a weight shift to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. 

8. Ease of Cleaning

The best chair for your loved one should be easy to wipe down for infection control purposes. This is especially important if your loved one has incontinence, reduced immune system functionality, or risk of open wounds.

Talk to Trinity Homecare Today

If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.

Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.