From chairs that seem immune to gravity to those that lift the spirit, there is a whole range of seating selection for the elderly. The right chair for your elderly family member must be not only functional but also chic and comfortable as you see here: www.safetyandmobility.com.au
High-back models make an excellent pick for reading out to the grandkids, while those with a padded seat give relief from back pain. So, pick a chair that guarantees mobility without the elderly getting stuck in a position that is just too soft.
What Damage Can a Wrong Seating Do?
Painful back muscles and sore joints are the least of the problems faced by the elderly with the improper seating position. Muscles weaken over time and cause seniors to slouch forward, lean on one side, or slump down into the chair. These are indeed awkward positions that cause tissue damage and pressured sores.
Apart from postural pain syndrome, an elderly may even slide off the chair entirely and hit the floor. This may result in anxiety and fear, leading to other health concerns like hypertension, lung, and chest infections. However, the good news is all these issues disappear the minute you select the right chair. Here’s how.
Motorised Rise and Reclining Chairs
Alighting from a chair might be a simple affair for the young, but the elderly often deal with declining flexibility and upper body strength. Hence, standing up from an armchair or recliner may not be as easy as it sounds.
Motorised rise or recliners have an inbuilt rising mechanism for making standing easier. They also come with recliner-like comfort and make a good fit for lounging. These chairs offer mobility support while looking fashionable and stylish in your living room.
Pay Attention to Pressure Management
The elderly are often seated for long periods or cannot shift their weight from a comfortable position. All these instances need you to look for pressure management in the chair. Proper pressure management reduces the risk of developing bedsores and increases the comfort levels of the elderly.
High-Back Chairs for Better Shoulder and Back Support
The chair must provide high levels of back support to prevent back injuries from affecting your loved one’s life. High-back chairs or those extending their back till the neck can help seniors avoid posture issues and back pain.
Chairs with a raised back help seniors hold their backs in a natural, neutral position and relax. They also prevent excess pressure from being applied to the spine. Because high-back chairs keep people upright, the elderly can easily slide in and out of the chairs. On the whole, these chairs deliver greater comfort, reduce back injuries, and bring an overall improvement in the elderly’s health.
Head Support
Chairs with proper head support, such as those you see in www.safetyandmobility.com.au, are necessary regardless of whether the elderly suffer from poor head control or only looking for extra comfort. Built-in head support in your chair ensures the excellent health of the head, neck, and spine.
Age is something that catches up with every person. Comfortable seating will improve the quality of life and offer support to those weakened by illness or injuries. They can be put to general use as a relaxing piece of equipment after a long and tiring day.