Article - Rising To The Occasion

Ideas for Sitting and Standing

For some people, simply rising from a chair can be quite challenging. A 1997 study by the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that 3.0% of the overall population and 9.6% of people over 65 have difficulty getting in and out of bed or a chair. These statistics can be due to a variety of neuromuscular diseases, to a temporary condition like a pulled muscle or due to the results of an accident.

If you have difficulty standing or sitting, we recommend that you first seek the guidance of a physician or physical therapist. For some situations, a prescription drug or an over-the-counter medication can help ease the pain. Sometimes exercising the painful or weak muscle is really the best medicine. The Arthritis Foundation has numerous tips to maintain agility, including daily exercise and staying close to your recommended weight.

If you still could use an assist to get up from a seated position, there are many tools, or Daily Living Aids, that provide support, helping you to maintain your independence.

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Things that lift:

Common places that people need a little lift are in their favorite chair or recliner, at the dinner table and on the commode. Lifting devices range from electric Lift Chair Recliners to Portable Lifting Cushions.

• Electric Lift Chair Recliner - Does all the work for you with a push button control that helps you position the chair for the easiest access.
• Lifting Cushion - Has a pneumatic piston hinge that helps push you up as you stand and gently guide you down as you sit. (There is also an electric push button version of this portable lift seat.)

Something to hold on to:

We recommend that you switch from that favorite squishy sofa to a firm armchair. A chair with arms is frequently not as low as a sofa and will provide better seating support and more resistance to help you as you rise.

You might consider installing other aids that provide a firm holding point to pull on or to push against. It is helpful to have this kind of assistance available in the bedroom, bathroom and living room.

• SuperPole floor-to-ceiling support pole - This tension pole is secured between the floor and the ceiling and provides a full range of heights to hold onto while sitting or standing up. It can be installed anywhere there is a floor and ceiling, including in the middle of a room, to provide support exactly where it is needed. By holding onto the pole at a comfortable level, you can use your arms for balance and support as you seat yourself on the toilet or get into or out of the tub.

• Smartrail - A unique bed assist rail that locks in place at bedside to help you sit up in bed. A simple lift is all it takes to unlock and swing the rail out for a more effective position to help you stand up and get out of bed.

• Toilet Frame - Arm rests on either side of the toilet act as a guide for sitting and as a push-off point for rising. For added stability, look for a model that is secured to the toilet with bolts.

For getting out and about:

Getting into and out of the car can be particularly difficult when you have trouble sitting or standing.

• CarCaddie - This portable handle loops around your car door frame, providing a means of support and balance. It is also very helpful for pulling the door closed after you are seated.

• Swivel Seat Cushion - The "lazy susan" style cushion helps you swing your legs into or out of the car without twisting and straining.

• The Handybar^TM is a super strong personal support handle that hooks into a metal loop on your car's door frame. You push down on the Handybar^TM to help support your weight as you stand up.