Power Lift Chair (assisted, Medicare, facility, mother)

[PhureeKeeper]

Would appreciate recommendations for a power lift chair. What kind of brand do you think is the best and what is a reasonable amount to spend?

I'm seeing prices for new chairs from $1,600 all the way down to $400.

I've looked at new ones... La-Z-Boy makes a terrific reclining chair, but how about lift chair?
Theirs seem to be the most pricey.

Looking at C_List seems iffy. Hate to have to go driving all over town for someone's used chair which may or may not work.

I'm moving my dear mother to an Assisted Living facility and don't want to get a chair that will wind up conking out on her - especially if she gets stuck in it!

[arwenmark]

First of all you need to know what you want, there are 2 position, 3 position, infinate and zero gravity chairs. there are ones with one motor and two motors, best out there is 2 motor Zero gravity chair. Golden technologies seem to have some of the best.

[Jukesgrrl]

When I sold furniture for a living my store carried lift chairs. It would be good if you could take your mom to a store that has models in stock she can try out.

Having the motorized lift work well is important, of course. La-Z-Boy has one of the industry's better guarantees on all its products, especially its recliner and lift chairs. There are also chairs that just eject the sitter up and out with a lever. They are less expensive, but I don't recommend one of those for someone who requires living assistance. My mother is 87 and I doubt she always has the strength to operate one of those.

Even more important is how the chair fits the user. Many elderly women have shrunk to the point they can't sit properly in a lot of chairs. She might need a shallow seat so her feet can touch the floor and/or a narrow enough seat that the arm rests are positioned properly for her. (Easy chairs range in width from 33 to 40 inches.) The height of the back in relationship to her height is important, too. Sometimes women are so short what should be the lumbar support is hitting their shoulders.

Many recliner-style chairs are designed for men. La-Z-Boy does, however, make a line specifically designed for smaller people. A motorized recliner can actually cost much more than $1,600. But if your mom needs a smaller-scale chair it should be on the lower end of the price continuum, unless she wants custom fabric.

[need4speed2012]

Avoiding Mistakes when Buying a Power Lift Chair Recliner:

Five Tips From A Licensed Physical Therapist

Avoiding Mistakes when Buying a Power Lift Chair Recliner

[ocnjgirl]

Be aware that Medicare part B, while it won't pay for the chair itself, WILL pay for the motor. You might want to go to a medical supply store rather than a furniture store, as they will fill out the Medicare paperwork for you. You need a doctor's prescription, but that is easy to get.

[PhureeKeeper]

Thanks to everyone for your excellent feedback. I knew I came to the right place for support!