How to make home modifications for those with mobility issues

Standard furniture isn’t made with mobility issues in mind. That means it may be difficult to transition between different positions, for example rising to standing from a seated position. It may increase the risk of strains and falls when transitioning between different positions.

Furniture that’s designed with mobility in mind, however, helps to reduce these risks by gently assisting the user to move between different positions. A riser recliner chair, for instance, gently lifts and tilts so the user can more easily get to their feet. Adjustable beds means users don’t need to stretch or strain – simply push a button and the bed will adapt to your personal preferences.

Specially designed furniture also has several health benefits:

Improved circulation: Elevating the legs reduces swelling and promotes better blood flow, which is particularly important for those with diabetes, heart conditions, or circulation issues.

Reduced pressure on joints: Adjustable positioning distributes body weight more evenly, reducing pressure on sensitive joints and preventing pain flare-ups in arthritis sufferers

Posture support: Proper alignment while sitting and sleeping helps prevent secondary complications like muscle strains and pressure sores.

As well as aiding mobility, this has another big benefit – it helps to keep the user as independent as possible. 

Find out more about the benefits of reclining chairs, including both physical and mental wellbeing.

A recliner chair is the perfect addition to any living room – and even better if you have mobility issues. But what features are most important?

There are a few key features which will help to support you with any mobility issues. When choosing a chair, look out for:

Riser recliner functionality: Riser recliners have a powered lift mechanism that gently tilts the chair forward. This gently helps the user transition between sitting and standing in a controlled manner, putting less strain on the joints and reducing fall risk.

Adjustable back and footrest: Everyone’s different, so it’s best to choose a chair that allows you to adjust both the back and footrests to suit your preferences. 

Firm seat cushions: Firm seat cushions prevent the "sinking" sensation that makes rising difficult.

Supportive high back: A high back with high proper lumbar support helps to maintain spinal alignment during extended sitting periods.

Ergonomic armrests: Properly positioned armrests at the right height for you offer leverage for rising to a standing position, while padded armrests help to reduce pressure on your elbows and forearms.

Intuitive handset controls: Recliner chairs offer either manual or mechanical controls, so choose the one that works best for your needs.

Find out more about designing the perfect living room, including choosing the right recliner chair.

Recliner chairs can act as a mobility aid, rather than just a piece of furniture. They’re particularly suited to people with certain conditions, including:

Arthritis: Standing from seating positions can sometimes cause pain, but riser recliners take the pressure off for people with arthritis.

Joint pain: Supportive cushioning helps reduce discomfort in pressure points, while riser recliners can help relieve pain when standing up.

Balance issues: Traditional furniture can be difficult to rise from if you have mobility issues, but riser recliners help you get to your feet more easily.

Limited core strength: If core strength limits your ability to sit and rise

When putting your recliner in your living room, make sure that there’s enough space behind it so that you can recline fully without any obstructions. You’ll also want to make sure that there’s space to create safe walkways in front of the recliner, without any hazards that might increase the risk of falls when standing up.

It’s a good idea to place your chair with easy access to essential items like a lamp, TV remote and drinks table – it’s ideal if you have space for a small side table beside your chair, to store all the things you might need within arm’s reach.

Find your perfect chair at HSL today.

An adjustable bed is also a great option for those with mobility issues, helping to reduce pain and allow the user to choose a sleeping position that suits their needs. Here’s what to look out for when choosing an adjustable bed.

Adjustable beds offer customisable sleep positioning that can’t be found in a standard bed. Whether you want to sleep with your legs raised or in a more upright position, an adjustable bed gives you the opportunity to choose a position that works for you to minimise joint pressure and reduce pain.

Elevating your legs can help to improve circulation and reduce swelling, while raising the upper body can support better digestion and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Additionally, if you have a respiratory condition or sleep apnea, sleeping with your head elevated can help you to breathe more easily for a better night’s sleep.

An adjustable bed allows you to easily change position at the touch of a button, meaning there’s no need to prop yourself up with multiple pillows. 

Find out more about choosing an adjustable bed in our comprehensive guide.

An adjustable bed is made even better when you pair it with the perfect mattress. Look for a supportive, pressure-relieving mattress that flexes to the contours of your body, keeping you comfortable while reducing pressure points. The mattress should also flex naturally with the changing position of the bed for added comfort.

Avoid a mattress that’s too soft. While this might initially feel comfortable, it can make it harder to get out of bed, and it doesn’t offer even support while you’re sleeping.

Find out more about choosing the perfect mattress in our buying guide.

Here at HSL, we have a wide range of riser recliner chairs and adjustable beds, specifically designed to support people with mobility issues. All of our furniture is handcrafted in the UK and backed by expert-approved design, so you can rest assured that whatever bed or chair you choose, it’ll support you for many years to come.

We offer an Exclusive Chair Fitting service, led by our trained Comfort Specialists, to make sure that your furniture properly fits you and suits your individual needs – and if you can’t make it to one of our showrooms, we’ll bring our furniture to you with our Home Demonstration service.