We are considering getting a riser chair for my wife. Has anyone any tips please?
I can see the advantage for two motors so the foot rest is independent of the back support, but is it worth going for more? Does a massage chair help, or is it just a gimmick.
Thank you!
Dave
Your Occasional Therapist might recommend one i.e. you might get one on loan rather than purchasing one - my husband got one of those - it was large and beige and not pretty, but worked well and had the dual motors (tilt in space + backrest moving independently). As he was spending more time in the riser-recliners, he chose to purchase one more to his taste which meant getting it "made to measure" and choosing the style and material. Size/fit is really important for comfort. Also consider that some materials may be a bit slippery when rising, and therefore less suitable. The company supplying our chair are local, have given good advice and have come out to service the chair when needed. For us this was a very worthwhile investment.I don't think we had considered how the chair would become where he eats and drinks (and spills regularly) but the material was such that it tolerates such spills and cleans up easily. The armrests are low enough to use an over-chair table - remembering to remove it before rising from the chair (you don't forget twice).
I also didn't predict that he might sleep in the chair, so it was important it goes all the way back (practically flat) and that the supporting material in the seat and back is comfortable and adjustable.
The casters on the 'loan' chair were small and did not lock properly and so the chair would move back if my husband "dropped" into the chair. The new one has larger casters that lock better but the chair might still wander backwards when he stands up or sits down awkwardly. I don't know the best option - it's possibly easier on a carpet floor but we have a hard floor which is of course easier to clean.
I was considering one of the less expensive riser-recliners from CareCo / Amazon, they would have the same features at a much kinder price, I think you need to read the reviews and definitely try one in a showroom to make sure it's comfortable and practical and the size is right. We've not tried heat /massage options, as that is not the primary need for us. I think the chairs are marketed at people who are just slightly infirm, so not all will be suited for people with PSP.
Beegenser,
Thank you very much for your reply, you have given me some useful advice. We’re planning to look at CareCo and Abelworld. Abelworld have a very good sale on a Wrendbury chair this week (Half price in Wales only), but I don’t want to rush into getting something, only later to find it is not suitable as the PSP progresses.
\When my husband had an operation I bought a used chair and the man was very knowledgeable. I had know idea about measurements and weight. I now have one for myself for my fibromyalgia and when I was diagnosed with psp I was glad I had something I could afford and fit me perfect \Now as I get worse I'm not so broke. Careco is great if you want a new one but I figured as I got worse different chairs would be beneficial
I was given a Riser Chair in June that has one controller than lowers the back and lifts the footrest and also stands my husband upright in the other direction. It’s been a brilliantly useful item. He cannot stand or walk and the riser chair puts him into a standing position for transfer to the Sara steady and visa versa. He is able to sleep in it although prefers bed. I see lots of second hand ones advertised on local facebook sites for about £100. We would be lost without the riser chair now.
we were provided one by a health team sorry I can’t remember which one but they also provided a hospital bed and other aids including ramps, commode etc when mum was at home. it was very helpful to get mum to her stand aid. One thing to flag was she would fidget a lot and get to the edge of the chair which increased her falls risks so needed to be checked on regularly to prevent falls. Eventually the recliner wasn’t enough and as she needed to be hoisted she had a different chair which has air cushions to protect her skin and can be pushed around so think combined recliner and wheelchair. I’d definitely seek advice from your the OT/ consultant or local mobility centrento get views and look at all options, also do try to plan ahead. Good luck.
We bought one from HSL it’s great but expensive, but it is leather and matches the sofa so Mum didn’t feel like it was a special chair. I didn’t realise until afterwards that she could get one on loan but it would be beige.
It does help her stand but she never uses it fully enough a pushing buttons is a difficult thing to do,
we have a tilt and rise chair for my husband which we purchased. Be careful who you purchase from. the big companies are making a huge profit. We initially had a demonstration at home and a quote from Oak Tree mobility (advertise on TV) for £4600.
We then found a local mobility supplier who used the same supplier as Oak Tree who made us an identical made to measure chair and even found the same fabric as our sofa and chair so it matched. We paid £2200 and it is perfect for my husband who is a big guy. It does move back sometimes when my husband stands up but we have it on a rug on top of our carpet which stops it slipping if he puts all his weight against it. It’s been a great investment for us as I suffer with lower back pain and trying to pull my husband out of chairs was becoming difficult. Definitely shop around.
Thank you, can you please tell me the name of the company?
Hi we had one for my mum with 2 motors which I would definatly advise going for - we found it invaluable for mum.
The only downside was as the disease progressed and she was unable to walk she would play with the controls and end up in the sky or tipped forward so we had to take the controls off her
There is some really good advice already give and the suggestion to get an OT involved is the best. This can take some time though. Our local social service team had about 10 week waiting list to be seen. Fortunately my husband was under the local hospice so I got their OT involved
Good luck!
One Step Mobility . The Owner Dan lives just around the corner to us. He got my husband’s powered wheelchair and we recently had a floor lift installed. His number is 07824 539707 we are in Basildon Essex but he has shops in East London and Kent. I’m sure he will be able to help you. Just say Jan recommended .
Thank you. Unfortunately too far away for me
We had one for my husband, it was a life saver. Highly recommend.
We had one for my Dad and it was a lifesaver. As he deteriorated and couldn't easily reposition himself, he could change position with the chair controls. That really helps with pressure care and comfort. If you can find a chair that has the option for a simpler hand control it could be worth it. As Dad's hand function changed he got frustrated because he couldn't operate the chair for himself. I'm an occupational therapist and was able to adapt the control to help him but we reached a point where it was no longer enough. If you can get an OT involved it would be ideal but thr condition is rare and I find many of them don't know what's coming in the next stage or how quickly, so ask them to look it up. This discussion forum is actually one of the best places for them to learn from the people who know the condition best. Good luck xx
Thank you and everyone else for your replies.
We have ordered a ‘Wrenbury’ from Abelworld. In Wales (but not the rest of the UK) it was reduced to £600.
What adaptions did you may to the control? Would these help other people?
We feel we may need another in time so she doesn’t have to always sit in the same place. I think a change of scenery may help her mindset, especially since the conservatory overlooks the sea.
We tried to call the O.T., but the office is closed until tomorrow, and the sale finished on Saturday.
We have a physiotherapist coming on the 15th to look at mobility aids around the home
Chair problems
Which chair?
My husband won’t stay in his chair.
Roma Wheel chair assist power pack
