Our loved ones can struggle with their mobility as they age. This can be due to any number of reasons. However, it’s important that our loved ones do not resort to a sedentary lifestyle. A lack of activity can lead to new health problems and a worsening of existing conditions. Fortunately, certain types of chairs can help encourage your loved ones’ mobility and independence, which are both things we want to support at Careline365.
To help you find the right chairs for your loved one, we have compiled this list of the top chairs for supporting elderly mobility.
How Chairs Can Support Your Loved One’s Mobility
A good chair can have a significant impact on your loved one’s mobility. Whether it’s the ease of standing up and sitting down or how well it supports them as they sit, chairs can, in fact, keep you healthy.
If your loved one struggles to get out of their chair, they are more likely to be content staying in it. However, this lack of activity contributes to reduced muscle and bone mass. A lack of strength in the legs, in particular, can increase the risk of falls. A chair that is easy to stand up from – or that offers support when standing – can encourage your loved one to move around, maintaining their fitness.
Moreover, a good chair helps to encourage good posture. Too much stooping in old age can lead to problems with the spine. Chairs that offer good back support or assistance when standing help to avoid stooping, keeping posture healthy for longer. And did you also know that good posture improves circulation? This could have a positive impact on your loved one’s overall health as well as their mobility.
So which chairs are best for supporting your loved one’s mobility?
High Seat Chairs
The seats of many chairs are closer to our knees than our bottoms. This can mean they require more bending when sitting down. Unfortunately, this can put strain on the back and knees, especially for people living with mobility problems. Not all chairs are quite so low, however. High seat chairs are tall enough that most people can simply shuffle back onto them without stooping or bending their legs. Most also offer sturdy back support and armrests to further support your loved one’s posture when sitting.
There are a variety of high seat chairs available, ranging from dining chairs to armchairs.
Rising Recliners
These chairs use a motor to rise higher than seating level to help your loved ones stand up. They provide support in case your loved one feels a little unsteady when they first stand up, and also makes it easy to sit down again. Moreover, they take away the exertion of pushing themselves up from the chair. The seat does all the work for them.
Most rising recliners also offer good posture support, even when in a reclining position. Furthermore, recliners also have certain health benefits. Sitting back in a recliner improves circulation and helps to relieve pressure on joints by distributing body weight better.
Wheelchairs
When considering chairs for everyday use, we might not always consider a wheelchair. After all, they are designed for support whilst out and about more than for relaxing at home. However, for an elderly loved one looking to improve their mobility, wheelchairs could be a viable solution. Knowing they have the option to sit down can help improve their confidence when moving around. This could also be an effective way for them to get out of the house. What’s more, a wheelchair could be used in a similar role to other mobility aids, offering support whilst walking.
Whilst high seat chairs and riser recliners may be better options for supporting mobility at home, a wheelchair can help your loved one stay active with the reassurance of somewhere to sit if they struggle.
Reassurance for You and Your Loved One
If your loved one is struggling with their mobility, it’s natural to worry about their wellbeing. Supporting their mobility can help to reduce the risk of falls, but it’s important to know that help is available. A personal alarm from Careline365 provides reassurance that help is always available.
If your loved one has a fall or otherwise needs help, they simply press the button on their alarm pendant. This sends an alert to our 24/7 Care Team who arrange help by informing nominated emergency contacts or the emergency services.
For additional peace of mind when on the go, consider a GPS Alarm.
To find out more about the Careline365 personal alarm service, read our in-depth guide or view our products. If you have any questions about Careline alarms, get in touch on 0808 304 4352 and our team will be happy to help.
