Robert asked:

Every one has or has had that favorite sitting chair that perfectly fits the body and is just right for sleeping. Eventually, whether due to old age, arthritis, or muscular diseases, it can become very hard to get up from your chair especially if you have been sitting down for a while. A lift chair can help solve this problem and keeps you from having to rely on family members, loved ones, or paid nurses to help you get around your own home. They also are extremely comfortable and are great for watching TV, reading, and taking a nap.

A lift chair is a recliner that is completely motorized. The backrest and foot rest are controlled by a remote or a set of buttons on the side of the chair and the base raises and lowers making it easy to stand and to sit down. There are many different types of lift chairs and there are even some that use a spring. Lift chairs that use a spring are incredibly unsafe. Where an electric lift chair slowly and carefully raises and lowers at a very safe speed, a spring loaded lift chair almost catapults or jerks the seated individual to a standing position. A spring loaded lift chair can result in falls, bruises, and puts much mores strain on the muscles than an electric powered lift chair.

If you are in the market for a lift chair for yourself or for a loved one make sure you do not purchase a spring loaded lift chair. They are often less expensive but this is because they are extremely unsafe. Instead find one that utilizes an electric motor which will slowly and safely lift the seated individual in a manner that will not put undo strain on their body.

Robert asked:

There comes a time in everyone life that it will no longer be as easy to come to a standing position. This can be due to muscular diseases, arthritis, and old age, but does not have to mean an end of mobility. After having been sitting for an extended period of time the muscles stiffen and it can become very painful to stand up. This can be hard on your muscles and bones as well as those of your family if they must help you stand. A lift chair can solve this problem and works by using an electric motor to raise the base into the air via a remote control or buttons on the armrest.

You may be tempted to purchase a used lift chair from the internet or newspaper but this is seldom a good idea. New lift chairs are relatively inexpensive and will last for many years. If you buy a used lift chair you have no way of knowing the condition of the motor or what has been spilled on the chair. All lift chairs are rated up to a certain weight capacity. People do not always follow this, though, which puts a good deal of strain on the electric motor and will in time result in a burned out motor. If you buy a used lift chair that has been mistreated, it is possible that it will work when you buy it only to fail a short time later when you most need it.

Lift chairs can greatly increase your mobility, help you retain your independence, and more fully enjoy life. Do not take the chance on a used lift chair that you purchase off of the internet or from the local classifieds. The little bit of money you save is not worth the chance you are taking, and if the motor does fail there is no warranty like you get with a new lift chair. You are instead forced to hundreds of dollars to buy a new motor or end up buying a new lift chair anyway.