Lift Chairs for Elderly People – A Complete UK Guide

Lift chairs for elderly people are also known commonly as riser recliner chairs. As we age, simple daily movements like standing up from a chair or sitting down safely can become increasingly difficult. For many elderly people, this loss of mobility can affect comfort, confidence, and independence at home.

That’s where lift chairs for elderly people come in.

Often known in the UK as riser recliner chairs, lift chairs are specially designed to support people with limited mobility, helping them sit, recline, and stand with ease. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what lift chairs are, who they’re for, the different types available, and how to choose the right one.

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Life Chairs For The Elderly – What Is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair is a motorised armchair that gently tilts forward to help the user move from a seated to a standing position, and lowers back down safely when sitting.

At the touch of a button, the chair:

• Raises the seat to reduce strain on knees and hips

• Provides controlled movement for safety

• Allows comfortable reclining for rest and relaxation

In the UK, lift chairs are more commonly referred to as riser recliner chairs, but the function is exactly the same.

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Lift Chairs vs Riser Recliner Chairs (UK Explanation)

You may notice that many UK suppliers talk about riser recliners rather than lift chairs.

Here’s the difference:

• Lift chair – common term in the US

• Riser recliner chair – standard UK term

Both describe the same type of chair: a powered chair that lifts, lowers, and reclines to support elderly users and those with mobility challenges.

If you’re searching for lift chairs for elderly people in the UK, you’re almost always looking for a riser recliner chair.

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Lift Chairs For Elderly People – Who Benefits from a Lift Chair?

Lift chairs are suitable for a wide range of people, including:

• Elderly individuals with reduced mobility

• People with arthritis or joint pain

• Those recovering from surgery or injury

• Individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, MS, or stroke after-effects

• Anyone who struggles to get in and out of a standard chair

By reducing physical strain, lift chairs help users stay independent for longer and reduce the risk of falls at home.

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Types of Lift Chairs Available

At The Care Team, we specialise in a wide range of lift chairs and specialist seating solutions to suit different needs.

Riser Recliner Chairs

These are the most popular type of lift chair for elderly people.

Options include:

• Single motor chairs – backrest and footrest move together

• Dual motor chairs – independent control for personalised comfort

Ideal for everyday use, rest, and gentle support throughout the day.

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High Seat Chairs

High seat chairs are designed with a raised seat height, making it easier to stand up without excessive effort.

They’re ideal for:

• Mild mobility issues

• Users who don’t need a fully powered lift

• Those who prefer a simpler solution

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Posture Control Chairs

Posture control chairs focus on correct seating position and pressure relief.

Benefits include:

• Improved spinal alignment

• Reduced pressure points

• Enhanced comfort for long periods of sitting

These are particularly suitable for people with complex seating needs.

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Nursing & Medical Chairs

Medical and nursing chairs are commonly used in:

• Care homes

• Nursing environments

• Home care settings

They are built for durability, hygiene, and long-term use while still providing comfort and support.

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Lift Chair For Elderly – Bespoke & Adapted Seating Solutions

Not everyone fits comfortably into a standard chair.

The Care Team offers bespoke and adapted lift chairs, including:

• Made-to-measure sizes

• Specialist cushioning

• Custom fabrics and finishes

• Adaptations for medical conditions

This ensures the chair works for the person, not the other way around.

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How to Choose the Right Lift Chair for an Elderly Person

Choosing the right lift chair is about more than just appearance. Key factors include:

1. Size and Fit

• Seat height, width, and depth should suit the user

• Feet should rest flat on the floor when seated

2. Number of Motors

• Single motor: simpler, more affordable

• Dual motor: greater control and comfort

3. Medical Needs

• Pressure relief requirements

• Postural support

• Specific health conditions

4. Space at Home

• Ensure there’s enough room for the chair to fully recline

• Consider wall clearance

5. Fabric and Finish

• Easy-clean fabrics

• Breathable materials

• Durable upholstery for long-term use

Getting professional advice can prevent costly mistakes and ensure the chair genuinely improves quality of life.

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Lift Chair Repairs & Maintenance

Lift chairs are a long-term investment, and like any mechanical product, they may need maintenance over time.

The Care Team also offers medical chair repair services, helping to resolve issues such as:

• Faulty motors

• Handset or control problems

• Wear and tear affecting movement

In many cases, repairing a lift chair is far more cost-effective than replacing it.

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Lift Chairs For The Elderly – Why Choose The Care Team?

When it comes to lift chairs for elderly people, experience and specialist knowledge matter.

The Care Team offers:

• Expertise in riser recliner and specialist seating

• Advice tailored to individual needs

• A wide range of medical and specialist chairs

• Bespoke and adapted seating solutions

• Ongoing support, servicing, and repairs

Our focus is always on comfort, safety, and independence.

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Get Expert Advice on Lift Chairs for Elderly People

If you’re looking for lift chairs for an elderly loved one, expert guidance can make all the difference.

📞 Call The Care Team on 0161 746 7566 to speak to a specialist about riser recliner chairs, posture control seating, bespoke solutions, or repairs. Or visit our contact page and leave us a message. 
We’re here to help you find the right seating solution with confidence.