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Lift Chair is Needed
With the difficulty Steve has breathing when he is lying down sleeping, we have decided to purchase a lift chair. I was at our local home medical supply store recently and tried out several of their models. Not only do they lift to elevate a person to a standing position, but there are models that have infinite positioning. They are controlled by hand with a remote control, so even the frailest people can easily operate them.
The infinite positioning lift chairs fully recline to a sleeping position, and have dual motors to operate the back and footrest independently. Some of the fully reclining models even have a mattress cover and sheet set.
These chairs come in a variety of sizes, models, styles, fabrics, and price ranges depending on the options chosen. Some options include heat and massage in the lumbar area of the back. Or, if you like a cushier chair, you can get an attached pillow or more padding in the arms or back.
The best way to purchase a lift chair is to actually try one out. Sit in it and see if you can position it to your liking. When the foot rest is extended, do your feet hang over the edge? If so, you can get a foot rest extension that will add 3 inches. Most lift chairs come with right-handed controls, but you can order left-handed controls.
Of course, all of these options have a price tag. But it is worth it to know that your loved one will be comfortable and can make safe and easy transfers in and out of the chair.
Medicare will only pay for 80% of the cost of the lift mechanism in the chair, about $340, but you must have a doctor’s prescription and meet the requirements. Some stores will offer discounts when Medicare/insurance coverage doesn’t apply. The store we went to offered a 15% discount, but it pays to shop, because the price difference between stores was anywhere between $200-$300 for the same item. Prices for lift chairs range from $389 to several thousand dollars depending on the options you choose.
Post Note: Much to our surprise, we were fully reimbursed for the lift chair. Medicare paid for the lift mechanism as expected, but our Medi-gap policy paid for the balance.