Looking for the best affordable chairs for the elderly? It's not as hard as you might think to find a senior's chair within your budget and equipped with the necessary safety features. From proper support to stability, here are the features that you need to look for in your next elderly's chair.
 |
| [image: pixabay] |
What you'll discover:
Why Safety Features Matter More Than Price
Essential Safety Elements Every Elderly Chair Needs
Budget-Friendly Options That Don't Compromise Safety
Making The Right Choice For Your Budget
Why Safety Features Matter More Than Price
Before we get started…
Buying an elderly's chair should not be about the price. It should be about safety and preventing accidents that could be more expensive in the long run.
Did you know that every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room due to a fall? Falls often occur when trying to sit down or stand up from a chair.
If the chair you bought to make life easier for the elderly is the cause of a fall, then what's the point? Investing in the best elderly chairs can help you pay for themselves by preventing accidents.
It is said that 30-50% of accidents are related to the environment. This includes the furniture that seniors use on a daily basis. Therefore, investing in the best elderly chairs for safety is essential.
Essential Safety Elements Every Elderly Chair Needs
All elderly chairs are not the same. Some are more dangerous than others.
When it comes to safety, here are some things that you should look for in a senior's chair.
Sturdy Armrests That Support Weight
Thin or flimsy armrests are not just useless, they can actually be dangerous. Armrests need to support the weight of an adult during a transfer.
Look for chairs with armrests that are reinforced for weight support. You should also look for armrests that extend slightly forward. This makes it easier for seniors to leverage themselves up.
Stable Base And Non-Slip Feet
Ever watched a chair skid across the floor when someone is trying to get up? It can be dangerous for seniors.
Look for chairs with locking mechanisms that keep them perfectly stationary. Budget-friendly chairs also come with non-slip bases such as:
Rubber feet with grip on the floor.
Chairs with wider and more stable bases.
Chairs with locking wheels that don't move.
Proper Seat Height and Depth
Seat height is more important than comfort.
The lower the seat, the more energy is needed for a senior to stand up. Standing up from low-seated chairs results in higher falls.
Seat height needs to be just right so that the feet can be placed flat on the ground, and the knees are at a 90-degree angle. The seat should also be deep enough to support the full length of the thighs but without any pressure behind the knees.
Electric Lift Assistance (When Possible)
The best safety feature for elderly chairs is the electric lift.
The electric lift mechanism reduces the guesswork for seniors. It also eases the way they get up from their chairs.
Lift chairs (as they are also called) elevate seniors to a standing position, thus, reducing the risks of falls.
Budget-friendly chairs that come with electric lifts can cost less than some of the other premium chairs.
Budget-Friendly Options That Don't Compromise Safety
You don't need to spend thousands of pounds on chairs to get safety features.
Smart choices can help you find a comfortable and safe chair for less than £500.
High-Back Chairs With Lumbar Support
Chairs with a high-back design provide support for the lower back, up to the neck. This type of support is better for posture and helps reduce strain when seniors sit or stand.
Care homes prefer these chairs over their more expensive counterparts because they provide safety benefits and are much more reasonably priced.
Rise and Recline Chairs
Rise and recline chairs come in handy when you want to combine comfort and functionality.
The rise feature makes it easier for seniors to get up and stand without any assistance. Recline feature on the other hand allows them to relax in the most comfortable position.
Budget versions start at £300 – £400 and come with basic lift mechanisms that improve safety.
Mobility Chairs With Braking Systems
Mobility chairs with braking systems provide the elderly with the option to move around their homes and navigate from one room to the other.
These chairs are equipped with braking systems that lock in place when the need for movement is over. This makes them ideal for transfers and preventing unexpected sliding or rolling.
How Proper Chairs Reduce Fall Risks
The science behind why chairs can help prevent falls in the elderly is quite simple.
Falls occur due to:
Loss of balance.
Muscle weakness that makes it hard for seniors to control their movements.
Moving furniture.
Awkward positions that can throw balance off.
Budget-friendly elderly chairs with safety features address each of these fall causes head-on.
The lift mechanism takes the heavy lifting out of standing up. Stable bases prevent furniture from moving unexpectedly. Proper positioning during the whole process of transfers ensures better balance.
Additional Safety Features Worth Considering
In addition to the most important safety features, here are some features that you may want to check if your budget allows.
Padded Armrests With Grip Comfort
Armrests with non-slip padding are very important for seniors to maintain a firm grip during the transfer process.
A small feature like this can make a world of difference to safety.
Cushions That Can Be Removed For Cleaning
Seniors are more prone to developing health conditions as they age. This makes hygiene more important.
Look for chairs with cushions that are removable and can be washed easily. This will keep the chair clean without having to resort to hiring expensive cleaning services.
Side Pockets For Keeping Essential Items
Side pockets come in handy when keeping important items close by.
If seniors have to reach or stretch to get an item, then their balance can be easily thrown off.
Making The Right Choice For Your Budget
Safety features should not be an afterthought when you are buying chairs for the elderly.
Even if you are on a tight budget, you can still find a chair that is safe and comfortable without having to shell out a lot of money.
You should first focus on the most important safety features, including stable base, weight-supporting armrests and proper height. You can then consider adding other features based on needs and budget.
Safety features on chairs that prevent falls should be an investment as they can end up paying for themselves many times over.
Hospital visits, rehabilitation, and the loss of independence all cost a lot more than putting in the right investment from the start.
Finding Your Perfect Match
When looking at different options for budget-friendly elderly chairs, make sure to check them out in real life where possible.
Something might seem stable to one person but not to the other.
Take into consideration the specific mobility issues that the senior in your life is dealing with.
If they have arthritis, then their needs will be different from those of someone recovering from hip surgery.
Remember, the best chair for seniors is the one that they actually use on a daily basis. If they are comfortable and find it supportive, they are much more likely to use it and stay safer in the process.
Time To Take Action
Budget-friendly elderly chairs are not just about finding something that you can afford. They are all about finding the right fit for safety features and prevention of accidents.
While luxury is not important when looking at safety features, focusing on what works and what is within your budget can help you keep seniors safer.
Remember that some of the most expensive things out there might not be the best for your needs.
Understanding what safety features can really do to help prevent falls and other accidents is the key. With the right information and shopping around, you can find a chair for the elderly that keeps them safe, comfortable, and independent.
Don't let budget issues compromise the safety of your loved ones. The right chair is an investment that you will get to enjoy for many years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please Leave a Comment to show some Love ~ Thanks