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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide to Lounge Chairs
ILC Reference NO 41:12:600
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Lounge chairs should offer comfort and support to the user and be easy to get in and out of. Due to reduced strength, pain or stiffness, some users may have difficulty rising from a standard lounge chair and other options may need to be considered. This is a guide only.
More Details
. Seat height
- hips and knees should sit comfortably at approximately ninety degrees with the feet resting firmly on the floor.
. Seat depth
- there should be enough space to place 2-3 fingers between the front edge of the chair and the back of the knees.
. Seat width
- there should be enough space to place 2-3 fingers on either side of the hips.
. Seat padding
- firm padding will be easier for a user to push off from when rising.
. Backrest
- should fit the contours of the user's spine, particularly their lower back. Consider height of backrest for head or neck support.
. Armrest height
- should comfortably support the forearm and hand.
. Armrest length
- longer armrests will offer a greater amount of arm support and be easier to push off from when rising.
. Armrest padding
- firm padding will be easier to push off from. Consider the shape and size of the armrest for the user's fingers to grip when rising. Wooden hand grips may be easier to grip when rising.
. Material
- vinyl, leather, fabric. Consider resistance to staining and cleaning requirements.
. Mobility of chair
- consider weight of chair. Castors may be required.
. Consider the space available in a room for a static or reclining lounge chair.
Factors To Consider
Anyone with seating difficulties should consult an occupational therapist. Customised seating may be required for those with complex needs. An occupational therapist can be contacted at the Independent Living Centre (ILC), at a community health centre or through an aged care assessment team.
Models
STATIC LOUNGE CHAIRS
. Chair legs may be fixed or adjustable in height. Fixed height may be customised.
. Chair raisers - The height of an existing chair may be raised by placing small plastic or wooden blocks under each chair leg. Ensure that the chair is stable.
. Seat depth may be fixed or adjustable.
. Customised features. The dimensions of some static lounge chairs can be customised to suit the physical size of the user.
MANUALLY OPERATED SELF LIFT CHAIRS
. These chairs incorporate a spring loaded seat that raises the occupant upwards and forwards to a standing position.
. These chairs are not suitable for people with poor balance.
. Ensure that the user can reach and manage the controls independently.
. Spring tension may be adjusted to suit the weight of the user.
MANUALLY OPERATED RECLINING LOUNGE CHAIRS
. May be suitable for a user who spends long periods of time sitting and requires an alternative resting position.
. The entire chair reclines as a unit, ie. the backrest reclines and the footrest rises simultaneously.
. May be operated by pushing down on the armrests and back through the backrest or by pulling a lever handle or finger operated flick lever located on the side of the chair. Consider the user's physical ability to manage these controls. Users who have upper limb or back pain, reduced strength or only the use of one arm may experience difficulties.
. The dimensions of some reclining lounge chairs can be customised to suit the physical size of the user.
. Legrest should be comfortable and long enough to support the feet when the chair is reclined.
. Wall saving mechanism - some chairs move forward and recline simultaneously thereby requiring less space.
ELECTRIC RISE AND RECLINE LOUNGE CHAIRS
. May be suitable for a user who requires assistance to stand, and / or who spends long periods of time in a lounge chair and is unable to manage a manually operated reclining chair to alter their position.
. Electric Rise assists a user to a standing position by slowly tilting forward and rising upward. The height to which a user is raised varies.
. Electric Recline. the entire chair may recline as one unit, ie the backrest reclines and the footrest rises simultaneously, or the backrest may recline separately. Some chairs will recline more than others. This may be to a horizontal position.
. Operation - the occupant uses a hand held control to recline and raise the chair. Ensure that the user can reach and manage the hand control independently. Some controls can be inset into armrest. Consider the complexity of the hand held control, eg. the size and number of buttons.
. The dimensions of some electrically operated reclining lounge chairs can be customised to suit the physical size of the user.
. Legrest should be comfortable and long enough to support the feet when the chair is reclined.
. Wall saving mechanism. Some chairs move forward and recline simultaneously thereby requiring less space.
Options
Additional support in a chair can be provided by
. Back support cushions
. Neck support cushions
. Wedge seat cushions
. Safety straps and harnesses. These should only be used in extreme circumstances under guidance, when the person is at risk of severely injuring himself.
Integral pressure relief system in the seat and back eg gel or water cushions
Protection from incontinence:
. washable or disposable absorbent seat pads
. waterproof liners between the cushion and its cover
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For a fact sheet about standards contact us or visit www.ilcaustralia.org/home/standards.asp
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
Additional /images
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