Lift Chairs for Seniors Citizens in Illinois

Lift Chairs Make Standing Easier

A lift chair is designed to raise the seat and back of the chair up, and then tip the chair forward, to lift the occupant into a somewhat vertical position and get their feet on the floor. This assistance helps the occupant live more independently since he or she is better able to stand and get out of the chair. The chair has a powerful lift system that can support the weight of the chair plus the occupant.

Features to Consider

To get the most value out of the investment in a lift chair, you should shop for a chair that offers the following features:

• Good warranty – Common warranty timeframes are a lifetime warranty on the frame and a seven-year limited warranty on the functionality of the chair.
• Smooth mechanism – Be sure the chair does not jump or jerk as it moves through the lifting and tilting functions and that it does not drop quickly when it returns to the original position.
• Sturdy frame – The lifting action of the chair requires a sturdy frame. The frame needs to be strong enough to move as one unit even if the lifting mechanism shakes the frame during the lifting and returning motions.
• Fire retardant fabric – If the chair is ignited, this fabric will prevent the fire from consuming the chair.
• Adequate weight capacity – Most chairs have a capacity of up to 375 pounds. Some styles are available to support up to 1,000 pounds.
• Easy hand control – Look for buttons which are easy-to-read and push. The battery should be easy to remove and replace.

The chair can also be purchased with additional features and options which provide increased comfort and convenience. For example:

• Battery backup – The chair can be operated during a power outage.
• Head and lumbar support pillows – These color-coordinated pillows provide increased support.
• Heat and massage – These options offer extra comfort and warmth to sore muscles and joints.
• Removable head and arm covers – The covers can be removed and washed to remove the soil and spots that seem to accumulate from where the head and hands touch the chair.

Insurance May Pay the Bill

Lift chairs are often considered "durable medical equipment" by an insurance company and may be covered under a health insurance policy if prescribed by a physician. Medicare will also pay for a lift chair under certain medical circumstances. However, it may not be possible to have the chair paid for if the purpose of the chair is to generally make movement easier for a senior citizen.

Rent Before You Buy

Some retailers have a rental program that allows you to rent a chair on a monthly basis. Participating in a rental program, instead of purchasing a chair, can be particularly beneficial in circumstances such as:

• Person recovering from surgery who is unable to get out of a chair.
• Older individual who does not have the physical strength or balance to get out of a chair.

Where to Purchase Lift Chairs for Senior Citizens in Illinois

A lift chair can be ordered through a traditional furniture store, a health supply store or online. The buyer selects the style of chair as well as the upholstery. It can take from two-to-four months for the chair to be completed, shipped and delivered to the buyer.

There are very few manufacturers of this specially-designed chair, with Pride Mobility Products being the largest. Because many retailers are selling the same chairs, the prices for the chairs are often similar at most retailers. Some retailers differentiate themselves by providing a wide range of services such as in-home measuring and consultation, handling of insurance claim forms and low-cost or free delivery of the chair.

The Scooter Store

This nationally-known chain sells chairs manufactured by Pride Mobility Products. The Scooter Store carries three styles, including a recliner. Within each style there are a variety of chairs offered. Chairs come in a variety of seat widths and depths, as well as variation in the overall size the chairs. Prices range from about $619 to $1,049. Scooter Store reps provide per-purchase measurement and after sales service if needed. Purchase online or by phone at 866-450-2817.

Health Centers

Health centers provide a variety of products and health aids such as medical supplies, medical equipment, scooters, wheelchairs and lift chairs. They usually have one or two lift chairs to demonstrate the function and the construction. Health centers in Illinois include:

• Home Care Plus in Chicago, Illinois
• East Chicago Health Center, East Chicago, Illinois - 219-397-4071
• PP/CA Roseland Health Center, Chicago, Illinois - 773-468-1600

Furniture Stores

Furniture stores may not have samples of lift chairs on the floor of the showroom, but they are often able to order lift chairs through a catalog. Stores that can order lift chairs for senior citizens in Illinois include:

• Uebinger's in Flora, Illinois
• Mueller Furniture Company in Belleville, Illinois

Online

Several specialty chair companies provide a wide variety of lift chair styles and prices. Their prices may be slightly lower than the prices at health centers and furniture stores. Some of the larger suppliers that ship to Illinois include:

• Lift Chair Warehouse
• 1-800Wheelchair

Used Lift Chairs

You can also purchase a used lift chair. Used models are usually not offered by retailers; however, they may be aware of used chairs that are available from private parties. Lift chairs are most frequently offered through private classified ads either in the newspaper or online.

Try Before You Buy

If at all possible the person who is going to be using the chair should be able to try out several sizes and styles of chairs before the purchase is made. The size, strength and visual capabilities of the senior can make a big difference in whether the chair will fit them and whether they will be able to operate the chair without help. There are several retailers of lift chairs in Illinois with demonstration chairs. A trip to one or two of these retailers could make the difference between buying a chair that functions well for the senior and a chair that does not improve their ability for independent movement.