Families looking for mobility riser recliner chairs for elderly relatives are often faced with several decisions. There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to choosing a riser recliner chair that’s right for you, and it can all feel quite confusing.
To help you make the right decision, in this article, we’re going to look at the differences between the two and highlight the pros and cons of each.
Firstly, what is a single-motor riser recliner chair?
Single-motor chairs have one motor which powers both the back and footrest at the same time. This means when the backrest is reclined the footrest rises automatically. However, single-motor models have limited movement options which can make them unsuitable for some conditions such as Arthritis.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Single-motor rise and recliner chairs are cheaper than dual-motor, which can make them slightly more popular, this doesn’t mean they are suitable for everyone though.
- Single controls: Due the back and footrest operating together the hand controls are limited to just two buttons. This can be an important consideration if your relative lives with Dementia or has trouble learning new information.
Cons:
- Limited adjustment: The backrest and footrest cannot be operated independently which limits the ability to find a comfortable seating position.
- Reliability: Because a single motor has to do all the work it’s under increased strain which may affect the reliability.
So, what’s a dual motor riser recliner chair? Dual-motor recline chairs, two or more motors are used to power the back and footrest independently. Some models have a third motor to power the rise function which tips the seat base forward allowing the occupant to stand up.
Pros:
- Greater flexibility: because the backrest and footrest can be moved independently it’s much easier to find a comfortable seating position.
- Reliability: Dual motors are under less stress so the risk of the chair failing is reduced.
Cons:
- Complex controls: each motor has its own set of controls, there are double the number of buttons on the control pad.
- More expensive: Dual motors tend to be more expensive. But if your loved one has limited movement, it’s worth spending the extra to ensure they are comfortable.
Single motor vs. dual motor riser recliner chairs, which is the best? The right option for you will depend on the condition of your loved one and what features you desire. There is a huge range of motorized riser recliner chairs, often with a choice of the single and dual motors within the same make and model. Remember, you must have a well-fitted chair with the right features, to ensure you get optimum benefit from your new riser recliner.
See our post ‘Guide to Purchasing a Riser Recliner Chair’.
See the NHS page about ‘Household gadgets and equipment to make life easier’.