Last updated on February 25, 2020
Buying a high seat chair for an elderly person needing a little more support or for a person recovering from surgery such as a knee replacement or hip surgery can put people in an unfamiliar environment with more requirements than buying a high street living room furniture sofa or chair.
There are more considerations. One that is disregarded often due to the patient not being told that they actually need one. Many a time we are rushing a high seat chair through because Mom can’t come home from hospital until we have something appropriate for her to sit in. We do our best for these people but we can tell it is stressful so ask the Doctor if they think one will be needed
When buying a high seat chair there are many considerations, the best advice should be sought from your occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
We have put this post together based on the questions we are asked on a regular basis when ordering a high seat chair from us
As far as dimensions go these are the important ones
Seat height- with the foot flat on the floor measure from the floor to the corner of the back of the knee. This measurement will give the seat height needed for your high seat chair and will make it easier to stand and sit especially if you are recovering from surgery such as a hip replacement. The average person 5ft 6″ with an average build would require a 18″ seat height
Seat width– This should be the width of your hips plus a couple of inches, this will stop you from slouching in the chair as well as promoting use of the armrests reducing strain. Standard would be 18 to 20″. Most popular being the supportive 18″
Seat depth – The chair needs to be supportive without creating pressure, a seat that is too deep will create the wrong posture and will cause you to slide forward , too short and the thighs will not be supported . To get the correct seat depth measure from the back of the bottom to 1.1/2 inch before the back of the knee. This would usually be 18 to 21″. Our most popular has been 18″
Back height– The distance between the top of the seat and the top of the back, especially important if head support is required. We find that 24 to 26″ usually covers most people’s requirements. A chair with wings is obviously more supportive
Arm rest height. You should be able to sit with your shoulders in a natural position, this would usually be between 6 and 9″
Homecarechairs ranges of chairs have attributes that are suited to these dimensions as they were developed for care homes and home carers. There are options where the basic average chair can be customised to the customer needs.
