Recliner Chair Assessments: How an Occupational Therapist Can Help

A recliner chair can be much more than a comfortable place to sit. For people living with mobility challenges, chronic pain, neurological conditions or age-related changes, the right chair can support comfort, safety and independence at home.

However, choosing a recliner chair isn't always as simple as selecting one from a showroom. Features such as lift functions, pressure care, positioning and sizing can make a significant difference to how well a chair meets a person's needs.

Why Have a Recliner Chair Assessment?

The wrong chair can contribute to:

• Difficulty standing up safely
• Increased falls risk
• Poor posture and discomfort
• Pressure injuries from prolonged sitting
• Reduced independence at home

An Occupational Therapist assesses how a person sits, moves and transfers to identify the most appropriate recliner chair for their individual needs.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Consider?

Every assessment is different, however common considerations include:

Mobility and Transfers

Can the person safely get in and out of the chair? Would a lift and recline function support safer transfers and greater independence?

Posture and Comfort

The chair should support comfortable positioning while promoting good posture and reducing strain on the body.

Pressure Care

For people spending long periods sitting, pressure management may be an important consideration to support skin integrity and comfort.

Sizing and Fit

Seat width, depth and height all influence comfort and function. A chair that is too large or too small can make transfers more difficult and impact posture.

Funding Options

Occupational Therapists regularly complete recliner chair assessments for people accessing:

• NDIS
• DVA
• Support at Home

Where required, an Occupational Therapist can provide recommendations and supporting documentation to assist with funding applications.

Who Should Consider a Recliner Chair Assessment?

You may benefit from an assessment if you:

• Have difficulty standing from a chair
• Have experienced a fall or near fall during transfers
• Spend significant periods seated each day
• Experience pain or discomfort when sitting
• Have a neurological condition affecting posture or mobility
• Require funding through NDIS, DVA or Support at Home

Recliner Chair Assessments Across South East Queensland

Forbes Care Occupational Therapists provide recliner chair assessments across the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Moreton Bay and North Brisbane regions.

Our team works with individuals and families to identify seating solutions that support comfort, safety and independence while considering their goals, environment and funding requirements.

If you're unsure whether a recliner chair assessment is right for you or a family member, our team is happy to discuss your options.

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