Safety and home
Lift chair
A lift chair is a recliner with a motor that tilts the seat forward to help a person stand up. It is useful for people with weak legs or pain when rising. Medicare coverage for lift chairs is limited, so ask before buying.
Why it matters for your family
A lift chair lets a person stand with less strain and may reduce falls from sitting down hard. It does not replace help with transfers when a person is frail. Medicare covers durable medical equipment ordered by a doctor for home use, but coverage rules for a specific item can be narrow. Ask the doctor and a Medicare-enrolled supplier what, if anything, Medicare would pay before you buy. A common mistake is to buy on a sales pitch that promises Medicare will cover it. Medicare warns about fraud. Check the chair size, weight limit and fit. Make sure the cord is out of walking paths. A caregiver can help.
Source: medicare.gov
Read more: Personal and advanced care
Related terms
- TransferringTransferring, as an activity of daily living, means moving between surfaces, such as bed to chair, chair to standing, or wheelchair to toilet.
- Mobility assistanceMobility assistance is help with moving around, such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and getting in and out of a bed, chair, or car.
- Fall preventionFall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.
- Hospital bedA hospital bed is an adjustable bed used at home for a person who needs help with positioning, rest or transfers.
- WalkerA walker is a frame with four legs that a person grips to steady themselves while walking.
- WheelchairA wheelchair is a chair on wheels that lets a person move when walking is hard or unsafe.
