5 Must-Have Features in a Power Recliner Sofa for Elders
TABLE OF CONTENT
- 5 Must-Have Features in a Power Recliner Sofa for Elders
- Check How Ergonomically Supportive And Comfortable It Is
- How Safe And Accessible Is The Power Reclining Sofa?
- Does It Help Seniors Ease Their Health Issues?
- Check The Durability And Maintenance Requirements
- Look For Additional Features
- Final Words
When the idea of buying a recliner sofa for elders sparks in your brain, make sure it's a power reclining sofa.
As you know, manual recliners are definitely a struggle for seniors, and you don't want them to face it. But if you think that buying a power recliner sofa alone solves the problem, you are wrong.
There are some significant features that you must consider to get the promise of what true comfort feels like. Seniors often face various physical challenges that can make everyday activities such as sitting down and standing up difficult.
They often deal with issues such as limited mobility, back and joint pain, circulation issues, and balance issues, among others. So, you should be extra considerate on how you choose the best power recliner sofas.
Our furniture experts at Jennifer Furniture have put together a guide that contains the top 5 features of a power recliner sofa for elders.
5 Must-Have Features In A Power Reclining Sofa For Seniors
1. Check How Ergonomically Supportive And Comfortable It Is
Let's say your grandmother has arthritis and finds it painful to shift or adjust positions manually. Instead of getting help from someone or trying to manually recliner to a different position, she can adjust positions by pressing a button.
The power reclining sofa's reclining seat gently aligns to a comfortable position. And it's obvious that reclining seats have lumbar support that helps maintain proper spinal alignment and prevents lower back pain. Thanks to the adjustable headrest, neck support, and footrests, seniors can avoid neck strain, improve circulation, and reduce swelling.
The higher, firmer seating makes it easier for your grandma to sit down compared to a soft, deep sofa that can be hard to get out of. The wider the room, the better support. Seniors mostly prefer wider seats and higher backs. Check if the power recliner sofa has this.
So, the smooth reclining action, supportive seating, adjustable headrests, and footrests that make it less strain on joints are some of the key ergonomic perks for seniors.
2. How Safe And Accessible Is The Power Reclining Sofa?
Safety is a necessity when it comes to choosing a power reclining sofa for seniors. As people age, they become more prone to falls, find it difficult to get in and out of, and lack the right support. So, check if the furniture you are choosing is safe for them. Even the tiniest part can be a threat. For example, smooth edges on the reclining sofa can prevent cuts or bruises.
1. Is The Recliner Sofa Stable and Sturdy?
Seniors need a sofa that won't tip over or shift when they try to lean on or adjust positions. If the recliner sofa is too lightweight or wobbly, seniors are at a big risk of falling, which can cause serious injury.
So, check if it has a heavy-duty frame made of solid wood or metal. This will keep the sofa stable when reclining or getting up.
2. Easy-to-use Controls
One shouldn't have to search for the power reclining sofa controls. If the remote or the power buttons on the sides are too small, it's a struggle to use them.
So, check if the buttons are large, simple, easy to press, and programmable positions so that they don't have to be adjusted every time.
3. Smooth and Safe Reclining Mechanism
There are recliners that can move too quickly or jerk while reclining, causing unwanted tension while using the furniture. This also can cause imbalance when shifting positions.
- So, it's best that you opt for slow, smooth reclining motions that prevent sudden movements.
- Look for an anti-pinch design where one's fingers, clothing, or merely any object doesn't get caught in the mechanism.
- Does it have a battery backup to handle power outages so they are not stuck in a recliner position.
4. Look For No-Slip and Anti-Fall Features
Slipper floors or unsteady movements are real headaches that increase the chances of falls for seniors.
- Here, it's important to look for non-slip feet or rubber grips that prevent shifting on tile or hardwood floors.
- Also, look for smooth edges to prevent cuts or bruises.
- Check if the sofa has wide and padded armrests for extra support when the seniors try to stand up.
- Check if the footrest is soft-close and won't snap shut suddenly.
Basically, while shopping for the best power reclining sofa, you should check if the mechanism, the adjustable headrest, and the footrest are super smooth.
3. Does It Help Seniors Ease Their Health Issues?
We know that seniors often deal with medical issues, and here recliner sofa can bring relief to them in many ways:
- Adjustable Power Footrest
Adjustable power footrest helps deal with poor circulation and swollen legs. The person elevating their legs via the footrests to a perfect height can improve circulation and reduce swelling. Since it's a part of the sofa, there's no need for extra pillows or ottomans.
- Zero Gravity Recline
Zero gravity setting is a special reclining position that can reduce pressure on the body, improve circulation, and enhance overall comfort. This feature is inspired by NASA's astronaut seating posture.
Here, the sofa reclines in a way that lifts your legs above heart level and distributes your weight evenly. This posture creates a feeling of weightlessness and slims down the chance of strain on your back, joints, and muscles. Plus, it also helps with breathing issues, reduces pressure on the heart, and relieves stress.
- Individually Adjustable Reclining Seats
Individually adjustable reclining seats can help find the perfect angle for comfort. In fact, many power sofas come with built-in lumbar support that keeps their spines aligned and relieves lower back pain.
4. Check The Durability And Maintenance Requirements
Since a power reclining sofa is a big investment, you definitely want it to function correctly for many years. Plus, it has moving parts, motors, and electrical components that must guarantee durability. So, while shopping for one, check the following features:
- Smooth and reliable reclining without any malfunctions. Check if the recliner uses a steel or reinforced mechanism instead of plastic components.
- Long-lasting upholstery that can bear everyday usage. Especially seniors may need a spill-resistant, low-maintenance fabric.
- It should have a sturdy frame that supports weight without sagging so that it can withstand everyday use.
- Check if the power reclining sofa has high-quality electric motors that work quietly. Look for a warranty on the motor.
- Don't forget to get the warranty. Since power recliners have electrical components, having a warranty assures peace of mind.
How Easy Is It To Clean And Maintain?
Seniors need a sofa that's low-maintenance and easy to clean. So check for removable cushions or covers for quick cleaning. Plus, look for machine-washable parts. Dust-resistant and moisture-proof fabric to prevent mold or allergens.
Note:
Power lift function is a must not just for seniors but for anyone with mobility challenges. So, this is a potential feature that eases them to get up without any helping hand. But the problem is you can't find a power reclining sofa with this feature. Instead, only reclining chairs have it. If a power lift is of utmost importance for the elderly person, a reclining chair is the best choice.
5. Look For Additional Features
Whatever features we have mentioned are the bare minimum for a power reclining sofa. So beyond the basic comfort, there are some extra features you can expect in today's modern power recliner sofas, including:
1. The Zero-Gravity Reclining Feature
It helps reduce pressure on the spine and joints, improves circulation, and much more. So, it's perfect for seniors or anyone with back pain, arthritis, or swelling in the legs.
2. USB and Wireless Charging Ports
Built-in USB-A and USB-C ports for charging phones and tablets. With this feature, seniors don't have to get up to charge devices. Everything stays within reach.
3. Heat And Massage Functions
Heated seats help with muscle relaxation and pain relief. Plus, the built-in massage settings are gold as they target sore areas and give immense relaxation.
4. Storage Consoles And Hidden Compartments
Storage is possible with power reclining sofas too. Armrests or center consoles can act as storage space where you can place remotes, books, snacks, or even laptops.
Some models include slide-out cup holders and foldable trays, too.
Other features include ambient LED lighting and cup holders, as well as voice-activated and remote controls, among others.
Final Words
So there you have it. We have covered everything you should check while shopping for a power recliner sofa for elders.
It’s important to be mindful because the right furniture can significantly impact their comfort and safety. You can’t be lethargic because the same furniture can put the elderly at risk. Be careful while shopping. Read out every feature clearly before proceeding to buy the best one. Check out our power reclining sofa recommendations for seniors.
