How to raise a chair for the elderly

As we age, simple tasks like sitting down and standing up can become increasingly challenging. Muscle weakness, stiffness and painful joints can all make it difficult to push up out of low chairs and sofas. This can pose a particular problem for elderly people who live alone. 

Raising the height of a chair is a simple solution that can help older adults with reduced mobility to sit and stand independently. In this guide, we’ll explore how to raise a chair for elderly individuals using various specially-designed seating aids. 

The benefits of raised chairs for elderly people

While anyone can experience mobility issues, they are particularly common in elderly people. Ageing comes with a natural loss of muscle, causing problems with balance and strength, while conditions like arthritis can cause painful or stiff joints. 

As a result, sitting down and standing up from chairs can become difficult – or even unsafe. Adding just a few extra inches of height to a chair can have many benefits for elderly individuals, such as:

• Reducing the amount of strain on aged muscles and joints
• Relieving pressure on the thighs, helping to prevent pressure sores
• Helping to improve posture and circulation
• Keeping the knees at a 90-degree angle to the hips (essential for those recovering from hip replacement surgery) 
• Encouraging physical activity by easing the transition between sitting and standing

Perhaps most importantly, by allowing them to sit and stand without assistance, raised chairs can help older adults to retain their independence for longer. This means less reliance on caregivers and less risk of accidents and falls for those who live alone.

Booster cushions

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to raise a chair is with a booster cushion or chair raiser cushion. These are placed on top of the chair’s existing seat, creating a raised surface for easier sitting and standing. 

Designed to be firm and supportive yet comfortable, booster cushions are made from polyurethane foam. Depending on the model, they typically add between 3-6 inches of height to the seat of a chair. The natural springiness of the foam also helps to gently lift you as you lean forward to stand up. 

Booster cushions are lightweight, portable and easy to use, and many come with wipe-clean covers. Most are square, but some are circular or ring-shaped.

Chair raisers

Also called furniture raisers, chair raisers are devices that you put under the legs of a chair to add height. This raises the entire chair, reducing the distance between you and the seat without the need to add extra cushions. They can also be used to raise the height of other items of furniture, such as tables and beds. 

Chair raisers are available in various sizes and materials, from bamboo to moulded plastic, with most providing 2-6 inches of lift. Some models feature a stackable or modular design, so you can customise the height to your exact needs. 

When shopping for furniture raisers, it’s important to measure the chair’s legs to ensure they will fit. Some raisers may not be suitable for chairs with very wide or angled legs.

Lifting cushions

Lifting cushions, also known as lifting seats or rising seats, are specialised cushions with built-in lifting assistance. They can be used to turn any chair into a rising chair. 

Self-powered lifting cushions feature a pneumatic or hydro-pneumatic gas spring mechanism. They don’t require batteries or electricity. You simply sit on the raised seat, which then gently lowers you down to a comfortable sitting position. As you stand, the lifting mechanism automatically raises up to assist you, supporting up to 80% of your body weight. 

Electric powered lifting cushions usually run on batteries, though some are mains powered. Remote-control-operated inflatable models are the most common. Push a button and the cushion inflates with air, helping to raise you into a standing position without needing to lean forwards. Another button deflates the cushion, lowering you slowly into the chair.

Rise and recliner chairs

Rise and recline chairs take chair raising assistance to the next level with powerful motorised functionality. At the push of a button, the chair rises up and tilts forward, gently guiding you to your feet. Once sitting, the chair can be lowered into an upright position or tilted back to recline.

While they are the most expensive option, riser recliner chairs provide exceptional support for elderly individuals with very limited mobility. Dual-motor riser recliner chairs also feature a motorised footrest that can be controlled separately to the rise-recline mechanism.

Head to Complete Care Shop to browse a wide selection of seating aids for the elderly, from rise and recline chairs to furniture raisers. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right product for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us.