If getting out of a chair has become the hard part of your parent’s day, a power lift recliner can do most of that work for them. It’s also a large piece of furniture that won’t be easy to swap out once it’s in the room, so it’s worth getting right the first time.
Start with the lift, then the recline
The whole point is the motor that tilts the chair forward to help them stand. A good power lift recliner does this smoothly and stops wherever they need it. Beyond the lift, recliners come in two broad types:
- Two-position: reclines partway, good for reading and television.
- Infinite-position (lay-flat): the back and footrest move independently and recline nearly flat, better for napping, elevating swollen legs, and long stretches in the chair.
If the recliner is where they spend most of the day, spend up for the infinite-position. If it’s an occasional rest chair, two-position is plenty.
Size it to the person
This is the mistake people make most. Match the chair to their body:
- Weight capacity with room to spare.
- Seat width and depth so they’re supported but not swallowed.
- Back height suited to their height (most makers list a recommended range).
The comfort extras worth having
- A pressure-relief seat cushion protects against soreness during long sits.
- A leg elevation wedge helps with swelling on the chairs that don’t fully elevate.
If a new chair isn’t in the budget yet
You don’t always need a new recliner to fix the getting-up problem. A stand-assist support that anchors to the existing couch or chair gives a sturdy handle to push against. And if standing in general is getting harder, my guide on choosing a walker or rollator covers the next piece.