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Understanding the Importance of Lift Chairs

By: James Jalonta

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As a senior ages, they are often not able to stand or sit as easily as they once were able to. This can be caused by a number of disorders or conditions, such as arthritis, that result in a much more limited rate of mobility. Often, the most difficult task for a senior is that of coming to a standing position. This task becomes even harder with age and can have not only a physical effect on their lift, but the reduction in independence can also have a mental effect on the seniors well being. One of the most common ways of increasing accessibility in the home, which in turn improves mental health, is by using a lift chair.

Lift chairs fall into the category of mobility lifting aid and are designed to allow a senior o other mobility challenged individual to stand and sit without assistance. They were first developed in the beginning of the nineteen-eighties, but have undergone a number of changes since then.

Today, quality lift chairs utilize at least one electrical motor, although some heavy duty lift chairs utilize two motors instead. Heavy duty lift chairs are called bariatric lift chairs and are typically designed to support over 600 pounds. Not only do they support more weight, but the chair itself is also often much larger and better reinforced. It is not uncommon to see a steel frame on a bariatric lift chair, where other chairs use a wooden frame. The seat itself is also much wider and deeper, to better accommodate its user.

If one does not go with a bariatric lift chair, it will likely support around 250 pounds, although there are non-bariatric lift chairs that support up to 400 pounds. They usually offer a battery backup, so in the event of a power outage, the lift chair can still be used. The battery backup often only uses a single nine volt battery, which is the same type found in most fire alarms. Even though it uses such a small and inexpensive battery, it is still capable of safely raising the individual. However, after the battery has been used once, it needs to be replaced. It should also be replaced annually if not used.

The motor in most lift chairs is controlled by a simple hand control that is attached to the base of the chair by a wire, although some do use buttons that are mounted on the armrest. In either case, there is no need for batteries for the hand control, since it gets its power directly from the lift chair. Unlike the TV Remote, it is also not possible to loose a lift chair hand control, so the individual will never be left stranded.

People use lift chairs to increase mobility and accessibility. These devices have a very big impact on the life of a senior and can greatly improve both mental and physical heal.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Lift chairs are important tools and finding online lift chair resources is very important.

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