There is a range of equipment available to help you feel comfortable in your living room. From making changes to your chairs and sofas to make them more suitable for your mobility to technology to help you stay safe and connected there are a lot of options available to you.
Equipment can be privately purchased from a wide range of retailers both online and on the high street. If you feel that you need further information or advice, please contact William Merritt Centre for impartial and professional advice and assessment, or call Adult Social Care on 0113 222 4401 to make a referral for assessment with the Leeds Equipment Service.
Seating
Having somewhere comfortable and safe to sit can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. You will need to consider if it supports you in a good posture for the things you want to do in the chair (e.g. watching TV, eating and drinking), ensure you can get in and out of it easily and, of course, that it is comfortable. There are many armchairs and high back chairs available from standard furniture retailers that will work well for many people however, depending on your medical conditions and level of mobility, it may be that you need a little something more.
You can find and buy these products online by
- Searching terms such as chair raisers or pressure cushions in your browser
- Viewing a list of daily living aid equipment providers on the Leeds Directory
Cushions
Pressure cushions can be added to existing chairs to help people avoid developing pressure ulcers when sitting. they come in a range of types including air-filled and high-density foam shapes. It is important that the additional height of the seat cushion does not affect the angle of the person’s hips and knees.
Chair raisers
Chair raisers are useful for people who have difficulty raising from their existing chair. Chair raisers can be adjusted to a variety of chair types and sizes and come in a range of weight limits. Existing chairs with casters can rest in the raiser, or it may be possible to fit raisers into existing caster sockets. To avoid the chair moving when sitting down, it is important that the person sitting in the chair does not drop down too heavily or that the chair is positioned against a wall.
Rise Recliner
A Riser Recliner chair will help you get from sitting to standing. They have a function that lifts and tips the whole chair up, helping you ease up to your feet gently.
Benefits
Help you get from sitting to standing.
Help you adjust your position for comfort.
Helps to sit or elevate the legs to reduce fluid build-up which can happen due to medical conditions and/or remaining seated for long periods.
Things to consider
It is important not to raise the height of your chair too much.
Chair Sensors
A chair sensor is a pressure pad which monitors occupancy and automatically raises an alarm call if unexpected activity is detected.
Find out more about Leeds Telecare
There are also private providers of these kinds of sensors. You can find and buy these services and products online by
- Searching chair sensor in your browser
- Viewing a list of telecare and alarm providers on the Leeds Directory
Chair sensor
Chair sensors will detect when a person has left their chair. Depending on the circumstances, this may prevent them coming to harm.
Benefits
Can inform caregivers when a person leaves their chair, at any time of day or night.
Can be tailored to suit the specific daily activities of the individual.
Can reduce anxiety and provide reassurance for family carers.
Things to Consider
Will send an alert though regardless of the reason for leaving the chair– i.e. to go to the toilet. However, a delay can be set before the alarm will trigger.