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Getting up from a chair should not be a daily battle. For many older people though, it is. Your knees hurt, your back aches, and pushing yourself up from a sitting position feels like climbing a mountain. This is where an electric recliner chair comes in.
Unlike regular chairs where you need to push yourself up, an electric recliner chair does the work for you.
IIf you are considering getting an electric recliner chair for a family member or yourself, there are a few points worth knowing before you buy. Here are four key points that will help you make the right choice.
How Much Lift Support Do You Actually Need?
Not all electric recliner chairs lift the same way. Some tilt forward just a bit, whilst others can raise you almost to a standing position. The amount of lift you need depends on mobility levels.
If someone is recovering from hip surgery or has quite weak knees, they will want a chair that does most of the lifting work. Look for one that tilts forward enough to get them almost upright before they need to put weight on their legs. This makes standing much safer and takes pressure off joints.
On the other hand, if mobility is only slightly reduced, a chair with less lift might be fine. The key is to think about what happens on a bad day, not just a good one. You want a chair that provides enough support even when joints are particularly stiff or painful.
Many electric recliner chairs for elderly users can lift up to around 45 degrees. That might not sound like much, but it makes a huge difference. The person ends up in a semi-standing position before they even start to push up, which is far easier on the body.
The Remote Control Needs to Be Simple
The remote control might seem like a small detail, but it matters more than you would think. Some remotes have tiny buttons with complicated symbols. Others have large, clearly marked buttons that are easy to press even if your hands are not as steady as they used to be.
When choosing an electric fabric recliner chair, check what the remote looks like. Can you read the labels easily? Are the buttons big enough to press without fumbling? Will it make sense to someone who is not particularly tech-savvy?
A good remote should have separate buttons for the backrest and footrest, so you can adjust each independently. Some also have a dedicated lift button. The buttons should have a bit of resistance so you do not accidentally press them, but not so much that they are hard to push.
Another thing to consider is where the remote sits when not in use. Many chairs have pockets on the side where you can tuck it away. This keeps it within reach but stops it from ending up down the back of the cushions or on the floor.
Fabric Choice Makes a Real Difference
An electric fabric recliner chair can come in different materials. Some are covered in soft, breathable fabric whilst others use synthetic materials that are easier to wipe clean. Both have their advantages.
Fabric feels comfortable and does not get cold or sticky in different weather. It is nice to sit on for long periods. However, it can be harder to clean if something gets spilled. For someone who spends a lot of time in their chair, particularly at mealtimes, this might be worth thinking about.
Synthetic materials like PU leather are easier to keep clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth usually does the job. They also tend to be more resistant to wear. The downside is they can feel a bit less cosy, especially in summer when they might stick to bare skin.
The colour matters too, though perhaps not in the way you would expect. Darker colours hide marks better, but they can also make a room feel smaller. Lighter colours brighten a space but show dirt more easily. Grey and beige are popular choices because they go with most home décor and do not show every little mark.
Size and Space Requirements Are Bigger Than You Think
This catches people out more than anything else. An electric recliner chair needs more space than you might imagine, particularly when it is fully reclined.
When the chair tilts back, the footrest comes up and the backrest goes down. This can add a good two to three feet to the space the chair takes up. If it is too close to a wall or another piece of furniture, the chair will not be able to recline fully.
Measure your room before you buy. Work out where the chair will sit, then add about three feet behind it for reclining space. You will also need room at the sides to get in and out comfortably, particularly if the person using it has a walking stick or walker.
The chair itself also comes in different sizes. Some electric recliner chairs are quite compact whilst others are larger and more spacious. A larger person will need a chair with a wider seat and higher weight capacity. Most chairs list their maximum weight limit in the product description, so check this against the user's weight.
Do not forget about getting the chair into the house. Measure your doorways too. Some chairs can be delivered in pieces and assembled in the room, which helps if you have narrow hallways or doorways.
A Few Final Thoughts
An electric recliner chair for elderly users is not just a luxury. For many people, it is the difference between staying independent at home and needing constant help to stand up. It means being able to sit and watch television comfortably, then get up for a cup of tea without calling for assistance.
When choosing one, focus on the practical stuff. How much lift does it provide? Is the remote easy to use? Will the fabric work for your situation? Have you got enough space? Get these four things right and you will have a chair that makes daily life genuinely easier.
The best electric fabric recliner chair is the one that fits the person who will use it. Take your time, measure properly, and think about what would make the biggest difference to everyday comfort and safety. A good chair should last for years and provide reliable support throughout that time.
