Seniors are at risk for some serious health problems, the most obvious of which is falling. However, seniors can also develop pressure sores from sitting in one position for too long.
In this blog post I’ll talk about how to keep seniors in a recliner and prevent them from developing these painful conditions.
Ideas on how to Keep Seniors Sitting on a Recliner
#1. One option is to purchase a reclining chair that has electrical controls. This way you can adjust it up and down for the senior when they want or need, so their hips are aligned correctly.
#2. Another solution would be to add armrests on either side of the chair so seniors can put their arms over them as extra support. This will also add a little more height so they’re not bending over while sitting, which could lead to back pain in the future.
#3. If you do find your senior is developing pressure sores from sitting for too long, it’s important to check with their doctor and see if they need any additional treatments besides making sure they get up and move around a little bit.
#4. As an added bonus, if your senior has limited mobility and they’re unable to leave their home, it’s important that the chair is easy to clean so you can remove any spills or messes as soon as possible before infection sets in. It might be wise to invest in some hand sanitizer and a bar of antibacterial soap to be kept nearby.
#5. An easy way for the whole family to make sure they remember how important it is to take their senior out of the chair every now and then is by using a timer that will go off at intervals throughout the day or night, reminding them when it’s time for another break. If you want to go a step further, you can buy an app with the same function.
#6. There are many chairs available in various sizes and shapes that will suit your senior’s needs but before purchasing one make sure it has adjustable heights and doesn’t add pressure around the neck or back of their head which could lead to discomfort.
You might consider having a sling available to help your senior go from sitting up and watching television, then switch over to lying down.
#7. Don’t forget the simplest way of all – just ask! The easiest thing you can do is get them involved in planning how they want their days organized for when they’re at home on their own or with family. It’s also important to remember that it’s not always about what they can or cannot do, but how they want things done.
#8. Some seniors also find comfort in a pet so having one around the house may be worth considering depending on your senior and their preferences. If you have other ideas for making life more comfortable for an aging parent at home then let us know.
Best Recliner for the Seniors
The best recliner for seniors is one that allows them to sit up or lie down with ease. It should also be easy for you, a caregiver, or their physician to access the senior’s head and feet so they can administer medical care. A few more details about what works well are here:
Lazyboy Recliner: The Lazyboy recliners have a patented foam and spring design that provides the body with gentle, supportive back support.
Essentials Home Recliner by La-Z Boy: This is one of the best recliners for seniors because it’s adjustable in height (from 18″ to 23″) as well as arm width (from 28″ to 35″) and depth (from 22.25″ to 29″).
Drexel Heritage Recliner: The reclining mechanism is a smooth, quiet operation that makes it easy for seniors with mobility problems or arthritis in their hands.
La-Z Boy Lexington Recliner: Senior citizens may find this reclining mechanism to be the best because it provides plenty of room, as well as a range from 18″ to 23″.
Big and Tall Recliner: The extra-tall design of this reclining furniture for seniors allows them to get in and out easily.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Recliner for Seniors
Make sure it reclines all the way back.
The softer, more comfortable cushions are better if you have mobility problems or arthritis in your hands.
Go big with a wide arm and large seat depth so seniors can get out of their chairs easily when they need to use the bathroom or potty.
Make sure it’s made of quality materials so that the chair can stay in good condition for a long time to come.
If you’re going to buy online, be aware that returns are not always easy due to weight and size restrictions on shipping packages.
The best place for shopping recliners is at stores like Sears, The Brick, or Home Depot.
If your senior loved one has mobility issues and you have a hard time getting them up and down the stairs to go potty, then there is a toilet chair available that attaches right onto their regular toilet.