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Recliners for seniors are designed with comfort and mobility in mind. Traditional recliners have a cozy, enveloping design, but this can make them difficult to sit down in and stand up from. For seniors, power lift recliners solve this problem by having a lifting mechanism that lifts the chair to them.
These motorized chairs are much easier to get in and out of. Ideal for seniors and individuals with mobility concerns, they are safer to use and place less strain on stiff or aching joints. Selecting the right furniture and design elements for one’s home isn’t easy—especially when it comes to keeping our elderly loved ones comfortable and safe. But we found a few products we think stand above others, such as our overall favorite, the Ashley Furniture Yandel Power Lift Recliner. It’s a well-rounded option suitable for all types of homes thanks to its classic look, and more importantly, it’s comfortable and easy to use. Ahead, learn about the best recliners for seniors that are comfortable, practical, and safe, allowing seniors to relax with ease.
- BEST OVERALL: Ashley Furniture Yandel Power Lift Recliner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ebern Designs Sanie Manual Recliner
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Latitude Run Faux Leather Power Lift Massage Recliner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMALL: Mcombo Small Sized Electric Power Lift Recliner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MODERN: Wade Logan Benedetti Recliner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FABRIC: Ashley Furniture Ernestine Power Lift Recliner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH CUP HOLDERS: Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
For seniors and those with mobility limitations, lift recliners provide all the comfort of a traditional recliner while being easier to get in and out of. The cozy picks ahead are easy to use and comfortable to allow more time for relaxing or napping.
Best Overall
Ashley Furniture Yandel Power Lift Recliner
What We Like
- Attractive design; looks good with any room decor
- Dual motor facilitates smooth reclining function
- Affordable, realistic, and high-quality faux leather
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks cup holders
Product Specs
- Material: Faux leather
- Product dimensions: 35 inches wide by 40 inches deep by 44 inches high
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Lounge in style with this comfortable power lift recliner from Ashley Furniture. This wide recliner is attractive and functional, with a classic look that will suit many living room styles. It’s made of faux leather that is easy to clean and has a soft finish. A high back and thick cushions make this recliner as comfortable as it is beautiful.
With its dual-motor construction, this recliner is a highly adjustable pick. The recliner angle and footrest are independently adjustable for custom positioning, capable of reclining down to a nearly flat position. When done relaxing, just one press of a button prompts the recliner to lift the user into a standing position.
Get the Ashley Furniture Yandel recliner for seniors at Amazon, Walmart, or Ashley Furniture.
Best Bang for the Buck
Ebern Designs Sanie Manual Recliner
What We Like
- Wide seat provides more space and comfort
- Manual pull handle offers simple, smooth operation
- Neutral color options are versatile
What We Don’t Like
- Large footprint; requires lots of space
- Lowering the leg rest requires some strength
Product Specs
- Material: Microfiber upholstery
- Product dimensions: 35.5 inches wide by 37.8 inches deep by 39.4 inches high
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Affordable, understated, and reliable, this chair features generous padding to envelop users in a soft, fabric-upholstered bliss. The wider design helps support seniors so that they can fully relax into the plush cushioning when they take a seat.
For even more comfort, this manual reclining chair has a pull handle to provide users with a smooth and quiet recline. We like the versatility this allows, as the user can adjust the incline angle precisely to their liking. And for adequate support, the seat features a high-density foam construction that stays sturdy. This isn’t the most chic chair, but considering the low price, we think it’s a good value.
Get the Ebern Designs recliner for seniors at Wayfair.
Upgrade Pick
Latitude Run Faux Leather Power Lift Massage Recliner
What We Like
- 4 separate massage zones; great for sore muscles
- 5 rhythm options offer versatile customization
- Packed with useful features
What We Don’t Like
- We wish the faux-leather material were more durable
Product Specs
- Material: Faux leather
- Product dimensions: 32 inches wide by 28 inches deep by 42 inches high
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Elevate your elderly loved one’s recliner experience by choosing a model with additional features like this one. A great recliner chair for elderly folk, this massaging model features four massage modes that target the thighs, lower legs, back, and lumbar areas. It also has five rhythm options with massage features, including pulse and wave modes, and two intensity levels in addition to a heat function in the backrest. It’s covered in soft faux leather, has a thick back cushion, and sports a large headrest. Unlike some massage chairs, this one features two reclining positions and a lift function that enables those with limited ability to easily get in and out of the seat by raising them to a standing position.
Additional features include cup holders and a side pocket for remotes and magazines. The compact dimensions of this recliner offer a more compact profile than that of traditional recliners, making it one of the best recliners for small spaces, although it does require 25 inches of clearance to recline fully.
Get the Latitude Run recliner for seniors at Wayfair.
Best Small
Mcombo Small Sized Electric Power Lift Recliner
What We Like
- Smaller size; ideal for shorter users
- Slim dimensions; can fit in tight spaces
- Massage and heat functions to ease sore muscles
What We Don’t Like
- Limited to only 3 chair positions
Product Specs
- Material: Faux leather
- Product dimensions: 31.9 inches wide by 29.5 inches deep by 41.1 inches high
- Weight capacity: 320 pounds
If you’re looking for a compact recliner, this lift recliner from Mcombo is a suitable pick. Measuring 31.9 inches wide by 29.5 inches deep by 41.1 inches high, it’s a few inches slimmer than most lift recliners while still maintaining a standard height. And while it isn’t exactly a heavy-duty recliner, it does boast a high weight capacity of up to 320 pounds, so it’s capable of carrying more weight than other comparable chairs.
Still, Mcombo recommends this lift recliner for individuals ranging from 4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 2 inches tall. It’s an excellent choice for petite people who might feel swallowed up by larger recliners, which can make them harder to stand from, even with a lifting feature. This recliner is a single-motor option that features three positions (reclined, partially reclined, and lifted). It also includes eight vibrating massage nodes and a lumber heat option for added comfort.
Get the Mcombo small recliner for seniors at Amazon or Mcombo.
Best Modern
Wade Logan Benedetti Recliner
What We Like
- Contemporary look with modern recliner features
- Firmer cushions great for back support
- Neutral color to suit any room style
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks comfort features like cup holders, heating, massage
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester fabric
- Product dimensions: 32.5 inches wide by 36 inches deep by 40 inches high
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Classic, overstuffed recliners are cozy and comfortable, but they can look dated. For a more contemporary take, consider the Wade Logan Benedetti recliner, whose sleeker, slimmer design gives it a more modern look than classic, overstuffed recliners. And its looks don’t come at the cost of comfort—this recliner is still a cozy, comfortable pick.
The chocolate brown fabric is a neutral choice, suitable for any room. This recliner is a single-motor recliner, but it still offers numerous positions and can stop along any point of its reclining path. Instead of an overstuffed design, it features firmer, thinner padding.
Get the Wade Logan recliner for seniors at Wayfair.
Best Fabric
Ashley Furniture Ernestine Power Lift Recliner
What We Like
- Soft-textured fabric feels cozy and comfortable
- Traditional design looks great in most homes
- Dual motor with remote control for convenience
What We Don’t Like
- Spills on plush fabric are hard to clean
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester fabric
- Product dimensions: 38 inches wide by 38 inches deep by 43 inches high
- Weight capacity: Not provided
Leather recliner chairs have a sleek look, but they don’t quite capture the cozy feel of a fabric recliner. This recliner from Signature Design by Ashley is a plush pick, opting to use a fuzzy polyester fabric instead of leather, vinyl, or smooth fabrics. The neutral gray fabric has a slightly textured chenille feel to provide classic, snug comfort and a traditional look.
Dual motors allow users to adjust the backrest and footrest separately to find the ideal position. All the controls, including the power-lift feature, are triggered by easy-to-use one-touch buttons. If the power goes out, there’s no need to fret; this recliner also has the option to run on an emergency battery backup.
Get the Ashley Furniture Ernestine recliner for seniors at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Ashley Furniture.
Best with Cup Holders
Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner
What We Like
- Economical price compared to similar options
- Adjustable massage modes; great for relaxing, easing stress
- Includes 2 cup holders and 2 USB ports
What We Don’t Like
- Limited reclining positions
- Seniors may have trouble exiting without help
Product Specs
- Material: Faux leather
- Product dimensions: 34.6 inches wide by 37 inches deep by 41 inches high
- Weight capacity: 320 pounds
This power lift recliner from Mcombo is a reasonably affordable choice with an attractive faux-leather finish offered in a wide variety of colors. It includes a range of comfort and convenience features that are sometimes overlooked in other recliners, such as a suitable place to hold a beverage.
This recliner is a single-motor option with three positions: a reclined option that leans back to 140 degrees, a partially reclined TV option, and the lifting mode. While it has fewer adjustment options than some pricier chairs, this recliner makes up for it with its massage and heating features.
Eight vibrating nodes along the full length of the chair offer an adjustable massage, while a lumbar heat cushion can soothe the lower back. With two cup holders and a side pouch, this recliner also includes excellent storage.
Get the Mcombo electric power lift recliner for seniors at Amazon, Walmart, or Mcombo.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Recliners for Seniors
Lift recliners can make it easier and safer for elderly individuals to get in and out of a recliner. We focused on the priorities that every person wants from any type of chair, so the chairs on this list needed to be comfortable, practical, and safe. We considered product specifications and consumer reviews to narrow down this list from more than 20 recliner options.
We also spoke with Dr. Logan DuBose, the co-founder of Olera Care, a nationwide community platform for connecting family caregivers to service providers in the senior care industry, funded by the National Institute on Aging. He shared some thoughts about the struggles seniors go through and how these impact the products designed for them: “Seniors frequently grapple with physical limitations, including diminished hand strength, coordination, and joint stiffness. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or neuropathy can compound these challenges.” He went on to say that typical motions younger folks would take for granted “become notably difficult, presenting formidable obstacles.”
As such, safety is paramount when it comes to any product, but especially when used by those with limited mobility. We looked for smooth-moving chairs with an ergonomic design and a decent weight capacity to suit most users.
Recliners for seniors also need to be easy to control—no one should have to fiddle around with a complicated remote just to get out of a chair. To ensure these criteria were met, we chose highly reviewed products with user-friendly controls.
We looked for comfortable and stylish designs with ample padding and a shape that envelops the body for ultimate relaxation. The lift chairs on this list also look nice, with attractive designs, textures, and colors. We chose from a range of colors and materials to suit different shopper preferences.
What to Consider When Choosing a Recliners for Seniors
After a long day, sinking into your favorite recliner is a welcome treat. But for those who find getting into a favorite chair harder than usual, it might be time to invest in a recliner for seniors. The best recliners for elderly individuals feature mobility aids that make it easier to get in and out of a cushy seat. When choosing these recliners, consider the recliner type, motor size, material, and additional functions.
Types of Recliners for Seniors
While all recliners can be suitable for seniors, some have extra features that make them easier to use. For seniors with full mobility, traditional, swivel, massaging, and rocker recliners are all comfortable picks. These chairs can be manual or electric; electric options may be easier to use for those with any mobility concerns. But if getting in and out of a recliner is harder than it used to be, consider a lifting recliner.
Lift recliners are essentially recliners engineered to lift the user with minimal manual effort required. Designed for those who have a hard time sitting down or standing up from a seated position, they use a power mechanism to raise the chair up. They look the same as traditional recliners, but the lifting mechanism makes them a popular choice for seniors.
Motor Type
Lift recliners come in single-motor or dual-motor designs. As the name suggests, single-motor chairs have one motor that controls the chair’s entire range of movement, powering both the lifting mechanism and reclining mechanism. These chairs are less adjustable but tend to be more affordable than dual-motor chairs. Most single-motor lift chairs have one button that operates the lift and one that operates both the recliner and the footrest as one piece, so when you recline the chair, the footrest follows in a preset position.
Dual-motor chairs have two motors that power different parts of the chair. One motor controls the recline angle, while the other controls the footrest and lifting mechanism. This design allows for infinite positioning, so you can adjust each independently to find your perfect lounging position.
Size
Recliners can take up a fair amount of space in a room, so it’s important to consider the chair dimensions when shopping. Space is especially a concern for lift recliners, which tend to be larger and heavier than standard recliners on account of their motors and parts.
Due to their reclining design, recliners also need enough space behind and in front of them to fully extend. Before you start shopping, measure your space to make sure the recliner can fit without hitting the wall or any other chairs or tables.
Besides considering the room space, make sure the recliner is a suitable size for your needs. Most recliners will advertise their weight capacity, which should not be exceeded, especially in the case of lift recliners. Tall users may opt for a longer chair for better comfort. Choose a recliner that is suitable for both the user’s height and weight.
Upholstery and Frame
Recliner frames can be made of plywood, hardwood, or metal. Metal is generally the sturdiest option, and lift recliners tend to use a mix of wood and metal to create a durable frame. These materials have the strength to support the chair (and the user’s body) as it lifts, but keep in mind that each lift recliner will have a weight limit that should be followed.
Recliner cushions for elderly people can be made of foam, memory foam, down, or an innerspring system. Combined with an ergonomic design, any of these materials can offer a comfortable seat. Upholstery options can vary across a range of materials, which are explored ahead.
Material
Upholstered recliners come in a variety of materials. The most popular materials include fabric, leather, and vinyl. Look for an option that is comfortable, breathable, and easy to clean.
Fabrics are among the softest options and come in a range of colors, textures, and materials. This category includes cotton, polyester, microfiber, microsuede, and performance fabrics. High-quality fabrics are durable and breathable, but they can stain and absorb spills. Leather (whether real or fake) and vinyl make for easy-to-clean, smooth chair covers. While they aren’t as plush or breathable as fabrics, leather and vinyl chairs come in a variety of colors and have a sleek look.
Beyond comfort, consider ease of cleaning when choosing a recliner material. The best recliners for elderly users are easy to clean. Due to their weave, fabrics tend to be the toughest to clean, while smooth materials like leather and vinyl are easy to wipe down.
Comfort and Design
Lifted recliners for elderly users tend to have a roomy and comfortable design with well-stuffed cushions. Like traditional recliners, they’re made for relaxing, but they also have the addition of a mobility aid.
Beyond lifting up and down to get the user out of the chair, the best power lift recliner chairs also offer reclining abilities and footrests for lounging. When choosing a comfortable pick, consider the reclining angle, which can range from 140 degrees to almost 180 degrees.
Design can be just as important as comfort. Recliners can take up a fair amount of space in a living room or a bedroom, so you’ll want a choice that looks nice in your space. Lift recliners look like regular recliners and come in a wide range of colors, materials, and designs, so you can find one that suits your style.
Power Lift Assist Function
Lift recliners are popular for seniors and those with mobility issues, and for good reason. These comfortable recliners can help those with limited mobility by making it easier to sit and stand at just the touch of a button. When activated, they lift and angle the recliner to put the user as close to a standing position as possible and make the chair easier to get in and out of.
Power lift recliners include a remote control or a control panel to make adjustments. In most chairs, all their features are automated to make them easier for seniors to use. Control options can include lifting the chair, reclining the back, opening the footrest, and switching on any heat or massage modes.
Massage and Heat Functions
Massage and heat settings add even more comfort to a lift recliner. Massage recliners feature rollers or parts inside the chair that either knead or vibrate to create a massaging motion. These are commonly distributed across the backrest, but some chairs offer massage zones that also target different parts of the back area, thighs, and legs. Massage recliners can have one massage mode or varying intensities and massage types.
Lift recliners often offer heating functions that offer pleasant warming sensations. These features can help with sore or aching muscles and joints, or, more simply, help the user create a cozy cocoon for relaxing or napping. Heating zones can target different areas of the body.
Additional Features
Lift recliners for seniors can come with additional bells and whistles for a better seating experience. Storage areas can keep devices and other items within easy reach and ready for use, and charging ports are another useful perk.
Cup holders are a common and obvious feature; they’re made to hold your drinks but can also be used to hold other items. For added storage, some recliners also feature arm storage pockets to hold remotes, cables, and books. USB ports are a useful addition that allow the user to charge devices while relaxing.
Easy to Use
Products for seniors need to be easy to use, and lift recliners are no exception. When it comes to a large item like a lift recliner, ease of use also contributes to safety. The best power lift recliner options are designed with seniors in mind, so they’re a safe option to have around the home.
Most are controlled using a control panel or a corded remote control, so adjusting their settings is as simple as pushing a button—the chair will do the rest. The control panel or remote is often used for more than the lifting feature, also controlling the recline angle and footrest. A high-quality lift recliner will move slowly and smoothly to allow users to gain their footing.
The Advantages of Owning a Recliner for Seniors
Lift recliners are one of the best recliners for seniors and individuals with limited mobility. They are essentially recliners that lift you up, making it easier to lower into the seat or stand from a seated position.
Lift recliners look and feel the same as traditional recliners, so they have all the comfort perks of a regular recliner, with the added benefit of a mobility aid. Since lift recliners are electric-powered, they are also very easy to use. With the press of a button or the flick of a switch, users can adjust them to their liking.
Beyond being easy to use, lift recliners are also a safe addition. Sitting down and standing from a low seat (like many traditional recliners) can be difficult for stiff or achy joints, and it can even create a fall hazard for some individuals. A lift recliner can help seniors safely maintain their freedom and independence for longer.
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Include mobility aids to help seniors sit or stand
- Help maintain senior independence
FAQs
While any recliner may be suitable for seniors, lift recliners are one of the best options. Even if you don’t have mobility concerns, lift recliners for elderly citizens can offer a bit of extra support for aching bones and joints. Still deciding on the best recliner for your needs? Read on for some frequently asked questions and answers about recliners for seniors.
For seniors, a seat height between 17 and 18 inches is often ideal, but this varies with the size of the user.
Also known as a “geri” chair, a geriatric recliner is a large, padded reclining chair on casters, usually used in senior living facilities or hospital settings. They provide great seated comfort and support and can be wheeled to adjoining areas with ease.
Some geriatric chairs can be fully reclined for sleeping; however, it’s safer and generally more comfortable to sleep in a bed.
When the chair is in a reclined position, your heel should hang slightly over the end of the footrest. If your feet hang too far off the recliner footrest, it’s best to find a longer pick; this positioning can put uncomfortable pressure on the back of your legs.
Look for a recliner that is supportive and fully adjustable so that the user can find the best position to soothe a painful back.
Medicare or Medicaid may cover some of the costs for a lift chair if it is considered medically necessary. It’s best to consult with a doctor or Medicare or Medicaid provider to see if your situation is eligible.
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