What to Look for When Buying a Chair for an Elderly Parent
Choosing a new chair for an elderly parent can feel like a bigger decision than expected. It needs to be comfortable, but it should also support their posture, make everyday movement easier and suit the way they use their home.
A chair that looks comfortable in a showroom may not necessarily be the right fit. Seat height, depth, armrests and the level of support all affect how easy it is to sit down, stand up and remain comfortable for longer periods.
At Chiltern Care Chairs, we help families compare different options based on the person who will actually be using the chair, rather than simply choosing by appearance or price.
Start With Their Individual Needs
The right chair will depend on your parent’s mobility, comfort and daily routine.
Before looking at specific models, it can help to consider:
- Whether they find sitting down or standing up difficult
- How long they usually spend in the chair
- Whether they experience back, hip or joint discomfort
- Whether they need help repositioning
- How much space is available in the room
- Whether their needs are likely to change
Some people need a supportive high seat chair, while others may benefit from the powered assistance of a riser recliner.
The best choice is the one that suits the individual rather than their age alone.
Check the Seat Height
Seat height is one of the most important considerations.
If a chair is too low, standing up may require more effort from the hips, knees and legs. If it is too high, the user may struggle to place their feet firmly on the floor.
When seated, your parent should be able to rest both feet comfortably on the floor without feeling that their knees are pushed too high or their legs are unsupported.
The right height can help make transfers feel more controlled and comfortable.
Consider the Seat Depth
A seat that is too deep may make it difficult to sit fully back against the chair.
This can encourage sliding forwards or poor posture, particularly if the user needs to place cushions behind their back to reach the backrest.
A suitable seat depth should allow your parent to sit back comfortably while leaving a small amount of space behind the knees.
The thighs should feel supported without pressure at the back of the legs.
Make Sure the Width Is Suitable
A chair should provide enough space to sit comfortably without being excessively wide.
If the seat is too narrow, it may feel restrictive. If it is too wide, the armrests may be too far away to provide useful support when sitting or standing.
The correct width can also help maintain a stable and comfortable sitting position.
Look at the Armrests
Armrests can provide useful support when sitting down and standing up.
They should be secure, easy to reach and positioned at a height that feels natural. Armrests that are too low may not provide enough assistance, while those that are too high can cause discomfort around the shoulders.
Your parent should be able to place their hands on the armrests without stretching or leaning awkwardly.
Choose the Right Back Support
Different chairs offer different back styles and levels of support.
Some people prefer a firmer, more upright back, while others are more comfortable with additional cushioning or shaped support around the head and shoulders.
The right backrest should help your parent sit comfortably without pushing them forwards or encouraging them to slump.
Trying different styles is often the best way to identify what feels right.
Think About How Easy the Chair Is to Use
A chair should make everyday life simpler, not more complicated.
For a standard high seat chair, consider how easy it is to approach, sit in and stand from.
For a riser recliner, check that the handset is straightforward to use and can be reached comfortably. The controls should be clear, and the chair should move smoothly between positions.
Your parent should feel confident using the chair without needing unnecessary assistance.
Decide Whether a Riser Recliner Is Needed
A riser recliner uses a powered lifting function to gently raise and tilt the user forwards.
This may be helpful for someone who finds standing from a standard chair increasingly difficult.
However, not everyone needs a powered chair. A properly fitted high seat chair may provide enough support for someone who is still able to stand independently but struggles with low seating.
The decision should be based on current mobility and functional needs.
Consider Single and Dual Motor Options
Riser recliners are available with different motor configurations.
A single motor chair usually moves the backrest and footrest together. A dual motor model allows them to be adjusted independently, providing greater control over the sitting position.
Dual motor chairs may suit people who want to raise their legs while remaining more upright, although the most appropriate option depends on personal comfort and how the chair will be used.
Think About Pressure Care Needs
If your parent spends long periods seated or has reduced mobility, pressure care may also need to be considered.
A suitable chair should provide even support and allow for regular repositioning where possible.
Some users may require a specialist pressure-relieving cushion or more advanced seating. If there are concerns about skin integrity or existing pressure damage, seek advice from a healthcare professional before choosing a chair or cushion.
Measure the Available Space
It is important to check that the chair will fit comfortably in the room.
Riser recliners need enough space to move through their full range without hitting walls, radiators or other furniture. Some models require more clearance behind them than others.
The user should also have a clear route to and from the chair without trailing cables or nearby obstacles.
Avoid Choosing on Appearance Alone
Style and fabric matter, particularly when the chair will be used every day, but they should not be the only considerations.
A chair may look attractive while being the wrong height, depth or shape for the person using it.
Fit, support and ease of use should come first. Once the right type of chair has been identified, colours and finishes can be considered.
Try the Chair Before Buying
Where possible, your parent should try different chairs before making a decision.
They should sit in each chair for more than a few seconds, test how it feels to stand and check whether the controls are easy to use.
A chair that is comfortable for one person may not suit another, even if they appear to be a similar height or build.
Trying different options can help avoid choosing a chair that later becomes uncomfortable or difficult to use.
Ask About Delivery and Aftercare
Before buying, check what support is included.
It is worth asking whether the chair will be delivered and positioned in the correct room, whether its controls will be demonstrated and what happens if there is a fault.
Clear aftercare can be especially important when buying a powered riser recliner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chair for an elderly parent?
There is no single chair that is best for everyone. The right option depends on the person’s measurements, mobility, posture and daily needs. A properly fitted high seat chair may suit some people, while others may benefit from a riser recliner.
How do I know whether a chair is the right height?
When seated, the user should be able to place both feet comfortably on the floor and stand without excessive effort. The height should also support a stable sitting position.
Is a firmer chair better for an elderly person?
Not always. A chair should be supportive, but it should also be comfortable. Seating that is excessively soft may make transfers more difficult, while seating that is too firm may be uncomfortable over longer periods.
Should I buy a chair without my parent trying it?
It is generally better for the person using the chair to try it first. Individual measurements and preferences can make a significant difference to comfort and suitability.
When should we seek professional advice?
Professional advice may be helpful if your parent has complex mobility needs, a neurological condition, a history of falls, significant postural difficulties or concerns about pressure damage.
Finding the Right Chair for Your Parent
Buying a chair for an elderly parent is not simply about finding somewhere comfortable to sit. The right chair should fit their body, support everyday movement and suit the way they live.
At Chiltern Care Chairs, we take the time to understand each customer’s needs and help families compare suitable high seat chairs and riser recliners.
You can visit our Chesham showroom to try a range of options or arrange a free home visit if choosing a chair at home would be more convenient.
There is no call centre and no pressure to make a decision. Just friendly advice to help you find a chair that feels comfortable, supportive and right for everyday life.