Aids to Help Someone Rise from a Sitting Position

There are many disabilities which lead people to require new pieces of equipment in order to maintain their quality of life. There is an increasing variety of products available. One common problem is losing the ability to get up easily from a seated position.

Getting Up From and Armchair

A lot of people struggle with the simple act of getting in and out of an armchair or sofa. This can be because they have lost strength in their back or another part of their body. This may be because of a long-term disability or a temporary illness. They may also be recovering from an operation.

Riser cushions are simple disability aids which push the user up from a seated position, or lower them as required. These are available with electric or hydraulic power. These either react to the weight placed on them by multiplying it, or they work by a button controller.

Some electrically controlled armchairs are able to tip forward at an angle. This provides the user with great support as they rise to their feet, reducing strain on their back.

A simpler solution is to raise the height of the armchair. This decreases the distance of travel required in order to sit down. This is achievable in two ways. The first is to raise the overall height of the chair by adding special feet underneath it. This can lift the height of the seat by anything up to six inches. The second is to insert a very deep and firm cushion to the seat itself.

If neither option appeals, there are special support bars available. These fit to the next to the chair and provide a solid support, allowing the user to pull themselves up to a standing position.

Sitting Up in Bed

Those who struggle with getting to their feet may also find it hard to sit up in bed. Problems with back strength can lead to this problem.

Using disability aids like a ‘Jacob’s ladder’ can sometimes be the answer. This is lightweight rope ladder which attaches to the foot of the bed. When the user wants to sit up, they use the rungs to pull themselves up.

A more substantial item to do a similar job is a bed rail. These fit to the bedframe and provide a support rail. This enables the user to pull themselves into a sitting position without straining back muscles.

It is sometimes beneficial to raise the height of the bed itself. One option is by fitting special feet which fit to the bed’s legs, raising them off the ground. This works in the same way as for armchairs or sofas.

Using the Toilet

Just flushing the toilet can become difficult for people with certain disabilities. The solution maybe to get a push-button WC. As the name suggests, these flush with a single press and require little strength to operate.

For those who struggle with sitting down and standing up unaided, using the toilet is difficult. Raising the height of the toilet seat can help. High loo seats are available which fix firmly to the existing bowl. These reduce the distance of travel one requires in order to sit down or stand up.

Grab Rails

Another simple way to provide support when getting up from a sitting position is to install grab rails. These fit to walls in positions where support is usually required. For instance, next to the toilet in the bathroom. If fitted correctly, they provide solid support for the user and provide a way to pull oneself up, limiting stress on the back. Grab rails are essential aids for many people living with disabilities in the UK.

In-Car Disability Aids

Getting out of a car seat is difficult for many elderly people or those suffering with disability. Using a specially fitted handle which attaches to the door frame is one helpful solution. It provides an excellent point of support, enabling the using to pull themselves out of the car and onto their feet.