Recliners for the elderly are more than adjustable armchairs to lounge in. They allow for better mobility and comfort at the touch of a button and can significantly improve the quality of life of the elderly and their caregivers.
Read on for more about the benefits of recliners and features to look for when buying one, followed by our round-up of the best recliners on the market.
Recliners provide a host of benefits for both the elderly and their CDPAP caregivers. There are many reasons why you or your elderly family member should consider owning a recliner:
Recliners are of invaluable help for the elderly with limited range of mobility. They make it easy to stand up, sit down, and find the most comfortable resting position. Besides, regular changes in sitting positions can reduce stiffness and allow for better mobility. The reclining function also helps the elderly maintain their independence longer and minimizes their need to rely on someone else.
Recliners are very easy to adjust to a comfortable position. This can help you avoid straining your back and muscles when you attempt to move or sit down. What’s more, recliners can reduce the risk of falling if you have difficulties standing up from a chair. Recliners also minimize the possibility of the caregiver’s injuries that occur while they are assisting the elderly with changing positions or standing up.
Elderly people often sit still for extended periods of time. This can lead to poor blood circulation and result in discomfort and complications including blood clots, and even a heart attack or stroke. By allowing frequent changes in sitting positions, a recliner can help improve blood flow to legs and feet. In addition, elevating legs regularly can help with circulatory problems such as swollen and painful ankles and feet or aching legs.
The best recliners promote good posture and keep your back straight while enabling you to change positions throughout the day. They can help ease back, joint, and even breathing problems that often affect the elderly.
Many high-end recliners for the elderly provide massage and heating of the lumbar region that can help ease your back pain. The chair’s therapeutic massage function will enhance blood circulation throughout the body, soothe your backache, and ensure a quicker recovery.
When sitting in a recliner, you can easily choose the most suitable position at the touch of a button. But many recliners also come with plenty of additional features to ensure the ultimate comfort, such as a backrest, footrest, remote control, USB charger, built-in storage units and side pockets, as well as heating and massage units.
The elderly are often dependent on assistance to stand up, sit down, or change sitting positions. Recliners make it possible to move with minimal help. If you are a caregiver, the fact that your loved one can easily adjust the recliner and get up on their own will give you more time to attend to other necessary tasks.
There are many different types of recliners for the elderly on the market and selecting the right one can be an overwhelming task. Here is what you should consider before buying a new recliner:
There are several different types of recliners. You can choose between manual and electric recliners, electric rise and recline chairs, and massaging recliners.
While manual recliners come with a lower price tag, keep in mind that you will need some strength and dexterity to operate them. Electric recliners cost more, but they are invaluable for anyone with mobility issues.
Recliners come with either single or dual motors.
Having a comfortable recliner is a must. If your chair is not comfortable, all of the other aspects and functions are of little value. At the very least, your recliner should provide good neck and lumbar support. It should also offer several recline options for improved comfort. Make sure to check whether the recliner includes any extra accessories like headrests, footrests, cup holders, a remote control, or a built-in charger.
Size is one of the essential elements to take into consideration when purchasing your new recliner. In order to provide good support, the recliner must perfectly suit your body size. The height of the chair will affect how easily you can get in and out of the recliner, while the right depth will provide full support for your back and legs.
Make sure to check whether you have enough space to accommodate a recliner in your home. Some recliner chairs are quite big and require a lot of space. If your space is limited, you may want to opt for a wall-hugger recliner, ideal for bedrooms and smaller living rooms. Instead of the seat going back like in other recliners, the wall-hugger chair moves only forward on its track mechanism.
To ensure maximum safety, the frame construction of the recliner needs to be strong and reliable. The mechanism should be soft and silent. Moreover, be sure to check the recliner’s maximum reclining angle. It varies from model to model, and some chairs don’t recline enough for a comfortable nap. Around 150 degrees is a good reclining angle.
Depending on their type, recliners have different functionalities to ensure maximum comfort:
Recliners can be covered either in fabric, leather, or polyester. Each type of upholstery has its advantages and disadvantages, but whatever material you choose, make sure that it is soft to the touch and breathable.
Recliners have moving parts that can break and things can sometimes go wrong with the mechanism. For your peace of mind, make sure to buy your recliner from a reputable retailer. They should offer a warranty and let you return the chair if you’re not happy with the purchase.
There is a huge variation in prices when it comes to recliners. They can cost anywhere from around $400 to over $800 or more depending on the recliner type and features included. It is often worth buying the best recliner you can afford.
Recliners are considered durable medical equipment (DME) that is used to treat conditions like arthritis and balance or mobility issues. If your doctor determines that a recliner is necessary for your health, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) or Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) may cover the seat lifting mechanism part of your recliner. However, the frame, fabric, cushion, and accessories are not covered by Medicare even when they are built into the chair.
Medicare covers about 80 percent of the recliner price. The amount is usually around $300, but you should check state-specific Medicare information for details. You will have to pay for the remaining 20 percent of the recliner cost out of your pocket.
Supplemental Medigap plans may help cover the costs that are not covered by Medicare.
It is important to keep in mind that recliners are not covered by Medicare in the following cases:
Before you ask for reimbursement from Medicare, you have to meet the following criteria:
In some states, the Medicaid program fully covers the cost of a recliner, while in others it is covered only partially. To check your eligibility, contact your local Medicaid office.
There is a wide range of recliners for the elderly to choose from. Here are the best recliners that will keep you comfortable no matter how many hours you spend in them every day:
The Serta Power recliner is a sturdy, comfortable chair designed specifically for the elderly. Its beautiful design and suede microfiber fabric will fit within most home decors.
Price: $399
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The Mcombo Electric Power Lift recliner is a comfortable and stylish recliner upholstered in high-quality faux leather.
Price: $479
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The Ashley Yandel Power Lift recliner comes from the manufacturer with over 70 years of experience. The recliner looks and feels fantastic—it is comfortable, durable, and convenient.
Price: $735
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The Homegear 2-Remote Microfiber Power Lift recliner is a high-quality chair with solid wood frames, capable of handling a lot of weight.
Price: $399
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The MAGIC UNION Power Lift Massage recliner is not only comfortable and stylish but also among the most affordable massage recliner models on the market.
Price: $359
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The Christopher Knight Home Emersyn Tufted Fabric Power recliner is an elegant and sleek recliner designed specifically with the elderly in mind.
Price: $399
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The Giantex Power Lift Chair recliner is an affordable and easy to use recliner made from high-quality materials.
Price: $409
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The CANMOV Power Lift recliner is a well-made, functional chair with a superior reclining mechanism.
Price: $429
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The ERGOREAL Power Lift recliner comes with plenty of nifty features and is easy to operate. It is very affordable for a recliner that includes both heating and massage functions.
Price: $349
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The feature-rich U-MAX Recliner Power Lift Chair Wall Hugger is a good option if you don’t have enough space for a larger recliner. You will only need 10 inches of clearance between the wall and the chair for it to recline or lift.
Price: $359
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If you have Medicaid FreedomCare allows you to choose your caregiver!
