Caregiver Tips: Buying A Lift Chair Recliner For Post-Cardiac Care
Recovering from a cardiac event requires medical care, comfort, and support at home. For caregivers, ensuring mobility and well-being is a priority. A lift chair recliner can aid post-cardiac care by providing comfort and functionality. This guide will help you choose a lift recliner that meets your loved one’s needs.
Interested in learning more about how to help someone with a heart condition? Check if you have free access to Trualta’s learning library and community of caregivers.
What Is A Lift Chair Recliner?
A lift chair recliner, or a power lift recliner, is a specially designed recliner equipped with a motorized lifting mechanism to help users move from sitting to standing. These chairs offer customizable settings that improve circulation and reduce strain on the heart, making them ideal for cardiac patients.
Key Features To Look For
When shopping for a lift chair recliner for a post-cardiac care patient, consider the following options:
- Adjustable reclining positions: Look for chairs that offer enhanced functionality, such as the ability to recline at angles that will help improve circulation and reduce pressure on the heart.
- Sturdy lifting mechanism: Ensure the lift mechanism is smooth and robust, as it will frequently assist your loved one in standing up safely.
- Offers comfort and durability: Choose a fabric that is soft to the touch but easy to clean, as cardiac patients may spend extended periods in the chair.
- Additional options: Optional features like a remote control, power headrest, built-in heat, and massage can enhance comfort and promote relaxation. Built-in USB ports and storage pockets are convenient for keeping essentials close by.
Benefits For Post-Cardiac Care
After surgery, certain body movements and actions can put the surgical site at risk of becoming damaged. It’s very important to understand what activities are safe and unsafe. Ensure that you and your care recipient understand the following:
- Any post-operative instructions from the surgeon. For example, no pushing, pulling, or lifting anything heavier than 5-10lbs. Get these instructions in writing, if possible.
- How long they need to follow these rules. For example, 6 weeks after surgery.
- What activities they will need help with. An occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) can help with this.
Your care recipient’s surgeon may tell them to avoid sleeping on their stomach or side while their surgical site heals. Instead, they’ll likely recommend that they sleep on their back to allow their head, neck, and spine to properly align. This can help reduce the pressure on the heart and chest during recovery.
Your care recipient’s surgeon may recommend sleeping in an upright position for the first few weeks. This can help the chest bone heal. Additionally, some people may feel pain or discomfort when trying to sleep on their back after heart surgery.
Risks
Although a lift chair recliner can be beneficial for post-cardiac care, there are some risks to consider. For example, sudden position changes (like going from reclining to a standing position) can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. Remaining seated for extended periods without standing can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs. Your loved one should change positions regularly. Reliance on the lift chairs may lead to muscle deconditioning, making it harder for your loved one to regain strength.
Follow these safety tips:
- Transition slowly between settings or positions
- Avoid long periods of immobility
- Ensure proper posture or positioning
- Encourage gradual self-support upon standing once it’s safe
- Consult a doctor before use, especially for heat or massage functions
Does Medicare Cover The Cost?
Medicare may help you pay for a portion of the cost of a lift chair under Medicare Part B’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage. Medicare Part B may cover a portion of the cost of the motorized lifting mechanism of a lift chair if it’s deemed medically necessary. Your care recipient must have a prescription from a Medicare-enrolled doctor stating that the lift chair is needed for a medical condition (such as mobility issues related to a cardiac condition). Additional requirements include:
- Difficulty standing from a standard chair due to the medical condition
- The lift chair must be a part of a treatment plan to improve mobility and daily function
- The person must be able to operate the chair independently once in a standing position
- The chair must be purchased from a DME supplier
Conclusion
A lift chair recliner is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a valuable tool for promoting recovery, comfort, and independence. Selecting the right chair can significantly enhance your loved one’s quality of life. Consult healthcare professionals for recommendations and prioritize features that best suit their needs. The right lift chair can make the recovery process smoother and more comfortable.
Interested in learning more about how to help someone with a heart condition? Check if you have free access to Trualta’s learning library and community of caregivers.
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