Chairs
If you have problems getting in and out of chairs, specialist equipment can help with this, but you may want to check with your GP before buying any. The following provides some tips on the type of chairs that may help.
- Use a chair with armrests which come all the way to the front of the chair
- Push yourself up when getting up
- Make sure the armrests are strong enough to support your weight
- Use a sit to stand frame instead of armrests
- Don't use a walking frame, as it is not designed for this purpose and could easily tip over
If your chair has no armrests, think about buying a new chair. You should test before buying, to check you can get in and out of it safely.
If you have some tips that help, let us know and we can publish them here.
Chair height
The ideal chair height depends upon the person sitting in it. If your hips are lower than your knees when sat down, the chair is too low, so use a chair raiser. These raise the whole chair, armrests included, and are better than just extra cushions. Please note that:
- Interconnected chair raisers are joined to the chair by a frame, and shouldn't come away from the chair once moved, e.g. when vacuuming
- Individual chair raisers use less room under a chair, but are not attached
Fitting chair raisers can be difficult, so get some help if you need it. If they become dislodged, the chair could tilt over when you sit in it, so check regularly they are in the correct position.
Chair riser cushions
If chair raisers don't work, try a riser cushion. These are placed on the chair seat, and provide physical assistance to help you stand. They will add to the overall seat height if the existing cushion is not removed, and should only be used on stable chairs with armrests. There are two main types of these:
- Manual riser cushions - you push yourself up, then it will rise, giving you that extra hand getting up
- Powered riser cushions do the same but are powered either by battery or mains
Getting out of settees
Try putting a solid board under the cushions. This will make the seat firmer, a little bit higher, and may help getting up. Raising the height of the settee using interconnected raisers (see above) may also help you get up.
Don't sit in the middle, as there are no armrests. Sit on one of the sides with an armrest. Otherwise, a sit to stand frame should give you enough support to get up.
Further information
What we can do for you?
If you want more advice or you feel that you need more support, use our online enquiry form or contact us. We may be able to assess your situation and discuss the type of support you need.
This page was last updated on 30 March 2011
