How to Decide on the Right High Dependency Chair?

High dependency chairs are needed when a loved one spends most of their out-of-bed time in the same chair. This can be at home or in a nursing home. In these circumstances you need to understand the patient’s needs before you buy. Posture, ability to breathe, sit comfortably and avoid pressure sores, are all reasons to take your time to ensure you select the correct chair.

The following tips will help you to understand what’s needed:

1. Decide what you want and need at the outset
   It’s best to get a chair that covers current and future needs at the start. High dependency chairs are not cheap so you want to ensure you cover all needs from the start. These include:
   – Tilt-in-space; where the whole chair can tilt to allow you change positions and reduce constant pressure on one area, that can result in pressure sores.
   – Backrest recline; Allows you independently alter the angle of the backrest. Helpful for a naps and comfort.
   – Elevating leg-rest: This is important to reduce fluid retention in the feet/ankles as well as providing a comfortable postural position while reading or watching TV.
   
   
2. Check what features are included
   Some suppliers quote a low price at the start but then add extras to cover the needs mentioned above. This can sometimes increase the chairs cost by as much as 50%. So if you know what you want at the start you can avoid this.
   
   
3. Think Long-Term
   Most users in a high dependency chair will have long-term needs or progressive conditions like MS, MotorNeurone, Parkinson’s, spinal injuries or simply old-age. It’s important to consider future proofing their needs. Spending an extra 10 or 20% at the outset can save €1,000’s if you don’t need to upgrade or replace the chair in a few years.
   
   
4. Select a reputable company with the required expertise
   High-dependency chairs cannot be purchased through the internet suppliers as it’s a complex product and always requires a competent and professional assessment.
   Some families will involve an occupational therapist, or have their needs noted, if the HSE will not supply.
   All Murrays Medical seating experts have years of experience and training. We will always visit your home or Nursing home to assess your loved ones needs and are happy to work with healthcare professionals.
   We have many models to suit every possible need.
   
   
5. Only work with suppliers that will visit your home for an assessment
   It’s important to select the right chair for comfort and posture but it also needs to work/fit in your living environment. Often times we’ve come across families that have purchased a chair that then couldn’t fit through the bedroom door.
   
   
6. Do you need manual movements or electric assistance
   All good quality high dependency chairs are relatively easy to use when adjusting the positions. If the primary carer is also frail, you may need to consider upgrading to an electric version of the same chair. These make life easier as they remove the need to consider the size and weight of any patient.