Senior-Friendly Furniture Aids for Mobility

THE LYNNFIELD ADVOCATE - Friday, November 20, 2015
Savvy Senior
Page 15
Enjoying some laughs
by Jim Miller
Senior-Friendly Furniture Aids
for Mobility Challenged Seniors
Dear Savvy Senior,
I am interested in purchasing a recliner that lifts and lowers off
the ground, or some other type of senior-friendly furniture that can
help my elderly father. He’s arthritic and overweight and struggles
mightily with getting up from most of the cushioned furniture in the
house. What can you recommend?
Need a Boost
Dear Need,
Jerry Shulman (left) and Joseph Markey at last Saturday evening’s “Laughter in the
The task of sitting down and/or getting up from soft cushioned furniture is Library” fundraiser at the Lynnfield Library.
a problem for many seniors who struggle with excessive weight, arthritis or
other mobility issues. Here are some different product solutions that can help.
~ Lynnfield Police and Fire Log ~
LIFT RECLINERS
One of the most popular types of cushioned furniture on the market today
for mobility challenged seniors is an electric recliner lift chair. While they look
Sunday, November 8
just like regular recliners, powerlift recliners come with a built-in motor that
1:08 a.m. – A possible break-in was reported at Lululemon.
raises and lowers the entire chair, which makes sitting down and getting up
2:32 p.m. – A one-car accident was reported in Post Office Square.
much easier.
With literally dozens of different types and styles of lift recliners to choose 3:20 p.m. – A caller said that a man appeared to be trying to open an electrical box on
from, here are a few key points that can help you select a good fit for your dad. Thomas Road. Police found a man who was trimming overgrown brush in his yard.
7:18 p.m. – An accident was reported on Salem Street.
CHAIR SIZE: The recliner needs to fit the person sitting in it, so your dad’s
height and weight will determine the size of chair he needs.
Monday, November 9
3:49 a.m. – A caller on Northway reported having an animal in their vent. Police
RECLINING OPTIONS: Aside from the lifting system, the degree in which
advised
them to contact a pest control specialist.
the chair reclines is your choice too. Most lift recliners are sold as either two9
a.m.
–
The fire department responded to an odor of gas at the senior center.
position, three-position or infinite-position lift chairs. The two-position chairs
recline only to about 45 degrees, which makes them ideal for watching TV or 1:04 p.m. – An accident was reported in the Christmas Tree Shop parking lot.
reading. But if your dad wants to nap, he’ll probably want a three-position or 3:35 p.m. – A credit card–skimming device was reportedly found at the Gulf station on
infinite-position chair that reclines almost completely horizontally.
Route 1 south.
3:52 p.m. – An accident was reported at North Broadway and Salem Street.
STYLE AND FEATURES: You’ll also need to choose the type of fabric, color
and back style you want the chair to be, or if you want any extra features
like built-in heating or massage elements, or a wall hugging chair which is Tuesday, November 10
8:33 a.m. – Police issued a summons to Darrin Kendrick, 30, of Salem, on charges of
great if you’re tight on space.
operating on a revoked license and having a number plate violation.
9:09 a.m. – A vandalism complaint was received from Oak Street.
While there are many companies that make lift recliners – such as Med10:45 a.m. – An accident was reported near Donovan’s Liquor.
Lift, NexIdea, Catnapper, Berkline, Franklin and La-z-boy – Pride Mobility
(pridemobility.com) and Golden Technologies (goldentech.com) have been 4:46 p.m. – A boat was reported floating in the lake near Edgemere Road.
around the longest and have some of the best reputations. With prices 8:25 p.m. – Police located some youths who had been walking around in a house
typically ranging between $600 and $2,000, you can find lift recliners at under construction.
many medical supply stores and online.
You’ll also be happy to know that Medicare provides some help purchasing Wednesday, November 11
a lift chair. They cover the lift mechanism portion, which equates to around 11:36 a.m. – An accident with no injury was reported near Donovan’s Liquors.
5:34 p.m. – An accident was reported on Route 128 North. Police issued a summons
$300 towards your purchase.
to Maria Martinez, 38, of Malden, on a charge of unlicensed operation of a motor
vehicle.
RISEDALE CHAIRS
If powerlift recliners don’t appeal to your dad, another option to consider is 7:20 p.m. – An erratic operator was reported near Walnut Street. The individual was
a Risedale chair. These are open-legged, wing back chairs that are different not found.
from lift recliners because only the seat cushion lifts instead of the whole
chair. Sold by Carex Health Brands (carex.com), the Risedale costs $725. Thursday, November 12
4:51 p.m. – An accident was reported near Bay State Road.
FURNITURE ADAPTERS
If you’re looking for something less expensive, or if your dad doesn’t want Friday, November 13
different furniture, there are also a number of assistive products that can be 5:13 a.m. – The fire department responded to a motor vehicle fire near the Christmas
added to his current furniture that can help too, like the Stander CouchCane Tree Shop.
or EZ Stand-N-Go (see stander.com).
7:29 a.m. – A hit-and-run accident was reported near the rotary.
These products provide support handles that make sitting down and
8:59 a.m. – Police issued a summons to James DiCrescenzo, 39, of Lynn, on a charge
standing up a little easier, and they both work on couches and recliners.
of operating with a suspended license.
Available online at Amazon.com, the CouchCanes sell for around $110, and
12:40 p.m. – Police issued a summons to Melissa O’Connell, 47, of Wenham, on
the EZ Stand-N-Go costs $129.
charges
of operating with a revoked registration and operating an uninsured motor
Another way to make your dad’s furniture more accessible is by increasing
its height with furniture risers. These typically range from 2 to 5 inches in vehicle.
height, are made of heavy-duty plastic or wood, and are inserted under the 3:30 p.m. – An accident was reported at the MarketStreet entrance area.
base of the legs or supports of his furniture. Costs typically range from a few 5:22 p.m. – Police took a fraud report.
dollars up to $50 or more and can be purchased at retail stores like Walmart
Saturday, November 14
and Target, or online at Amazon.com.
4:03 p.m. – An accident was reported at the rotary.
8:19 p.m. – Police took a theft report from Victoria’s Secret.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman,
8:26 p.m. – A North Hill Drive resident reported hearing gunshots in the woods. An
OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the
area
search found nothing.
NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.