Question:
A bit off the usuall topics but....... Regarding extra large sized furniture........
My Dad has poor legs, knees and ankles. He is not MO but is a big & tall who needs a living room chair (or couch) that sits higher than the norm because he cannot easily get up out of a lower sitting piece of furniture. He would also like a higher back and armrests. I have seen 1 or 2 recliners that were oversized (in width) but they rocked like a rocking chair does and it would be hard for him to get out of that too. Any suggetions, websites, stores or ideas out there? Thanks all! — Karen H. (posted on December 21, 2002)
December 21, 2002
A medical supply store for medical durable goods is a good place to start.
They sell walkers, krutches, diabetic testing equipment, and recliners that
are for people that need help standing (there electric and use remotes)
I'm not sure but if he could get a Rx (perscription from his doc) his
insurance or medicare may pay for it if he is elegable. Hope this helps,
happy holidays
— wizz46
December 21, 2002
Your Dad may qualify for a lift chair thru Medicare. Medicare will only pay
for the lift mechanism. Try Sam's for the best price. They will go thru
Medicare for you.
Good Luck
— Meg L.
December 21, 2002
Hi, I am a nurse who used to work for a home health agency. I have seen
alot of people in this situation and what worked for most was to build a
wooden platform that your regular couch or recliner could sit on. This can
be built up as tall as needed. The physical therapist at our agency used to
make them, but any handy man/carpenter could do it for alot less than a
lift chair would cost.
— Pam W.
December 21, 2002
When I was shopping for my son's bed I noticed they make lifts for beds so
that more stuff can be stored under them...these would probably work on a
couch that has the small wooden "feet".
— NancySTX
December 21, 2002
I could not rise from a chair after open RNY and other complications (long
story) so I bought a "thingy" that lifted me up -- some sort of
hydraulic mechanism. It cost me $110 (I had to get the large size because
of weight) but it lifted me faithfully for ten months -- and now I don't
need it! I got it through Dr. Leonards catalog, but I don't know their
website. Good product and, for me, worth EVERY penny. I expect to use it
again after I have both hips replaced. Nina in Maine
— [Deactivated Member]
December 21, 2002
Is your dad a Veteran? My dad had a service-connected disability and the
VA (Veteran's Administration) gave him a chair (that lifted him to a
standing position and then helped him sit back down again)for FREE! He
might have to visit the VA doctors. Or try medicare.
— Laurie LOVES her DS
December 21, 2002
They have "big man chairs" here in the northeast. I have one and
love it, feels like a throne. Its got a high back, arms and stationary
position (non-rocking). It sits alot higher than most do too. If you go
into a local furniture store they should be able to show you one. Good
Luck!
— Darlene M.
December 21, 2002
I have built wooden platforms for several relatives I cared for. Basically
a plywood top, 2 by 4s in as many layers as needed, and SCREW it together
with drywall screws. Nails will come loose and the plywoon should be at
least 1/2 inch thick but preferentially 3/4. You can jack up a bed as
well.
Its best to put some wood or metal angles so the chair cant slide off the
platform. Incidentally boosters are available for toilets as well. They
normally sit really low. Theres a ton of stuff out there to help the
physically challenged.
— bob-haller
December 21, 2002
Check with your Dad's doctor or if your Dad is a veteran check with the VA,
the doctor can withe him a perscription for a lift chair, and you can get
them for us big people as well as the tall crowd. Also you might want to go
ahead and contact you local Durable Medical Equiptment Company, they can
also help you get the paperwork started and be locating one to suit your
needs. Or you can build/have built a riser to go under his favorite chair,
a couple 2x4s and a piece of 3/4" plywood will work wonders. I have
taken 6 peices of 3 foot long 2"x4" and 2 sheets of 3/4"
plywood cut 3'x3', and a scrap peice of carpet to cover it and made me a
riser for myself to go under my favorite chair. I made a square with 4 of
the 2x4s and then I used the other 2 2x4s to double up on the sides where
the legs would sit, and then I put a sheet of plywood on top and on bottom,
and then the carpet all the way around it so the wood would not mess up my
floor or chair, and it made my riser a total of 5 1/2 inches tall.
— Grady E.
December 22, 2002
WOW! Thanks everybody! With your great ideas, at least we have a few
leads now! Have a lovely holiday season! Ka.
— Karen H.
December 22, 2002
I use PVC pipe just a little bigger than the feet of the item. Determine
the amount you want the furniture raised then be sure and add the height of
the foot. Cut them all the same. Has worked GREAT for several things.
— MindyM152
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