For many older and disabled Australians, a lift chair can be a very useful piece of furniture. Across the country, there are hundreds of thousands of people who have varying ailments from chronic back pain to crippling arthritis. Obviously there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution when it comes to your traditional lift chair, and so it is important that when you are searching for one you look for one specific to your needs. There are some major differences that you should consider before even beginning to search for a lift chair as they will help you narrow down your hunt.

Range Of Lift

Some lift chairs have a much higher arc than others, and it is important you see for yourself how large this lift is for a chair you might want. If you need a lot more help easing into a chair (or getting up off a lift chair) then look for one that has a higher finishing point. On the other hand, if you only want a lift chair that gives you a minor push then you can save thousands by searching for one that fits your needs more closely. The only way to ensure that you are getting the right arc on your lift chair is by testing it out in person. Never buy a lift chair without knowing how much it moves in person.

Weight Limit

Because of their quite complex internal mechanisms, often a lift chair will have a weight limit of around 120 kilograms. Unfortunately for many disabled people weight is an issue that they have to consider when buying a lift chair, so it is important you always double-check the weight limit if that is relevant to your situation. If you are restricted by weight, then there are options for reinforced lift chairs that still have a great range of movement which can suit your needs. It is important you are honest about this situation though as the only person who would be negatively impacted by this is you. 

Height

The dimensions of every lift chair will vary, and it is essential for your overall comfort that you find one that you fit snugly into. That is another reason why it is important to visit a showroom floor with different lift chairs on display. A particular chair might look good online, but in person, you realise it is far too small or big for you. As a general rule, your feet should be able to comfortably touch the ground when the chair is in a regular, upright position, and your torso should form a 90-degree angle with your upper legs. If your knees are above your waist or are sloping down, then you should keep looking, as this will be uncomfortable in the long run.