Lift chairs, which are also known as rise or recliner chairs, are chairs that feature a powered lifting mechanism that pushes the entire chair up from its base ,and so assists the user to move more easily to a standing position.
Lift chairs can be useful to the elderly, infirm or disabled. They can aid comfort and mobility and also promote independence.
Most lift chairs will work with weights up to 450 pounds (204 kg) although some can handle up to 700 pounds (318 kg). There are several basic varieties:
Lift chairs can pose a hazard, principally one of entrapment. Official standards have been introduced in an attempt to minimise this possibility, an example being British Standard BS8474 issued in 2006.[1]
There are also lifting cushions available on the market as an alternative to the more expensive lift chair or in addition to it. These can adapt to any stable seating surface but the operator must be aware of the potential hazards and may be unstable if not positioned correctly or not used on an appropriate seat.