Leicestershire & Rutland - Let's Talk Chairs

Let’s Talk Chairs

In the last newsletter I talked about getting in and out of bed. This is something which I know can be a big problem for people with Parkinson’s; but what about getting in and out of a chair?

We have done exercises in classes to help getting from sitting to standing and I have written about it in previous newsletters. But what about when it becomes so difficult that you need help? Perhaps those you live with have to give you help sometimes? Is it time to think about one of those chairs which give you a helping hand? – A rise and recline chair?

Firstly, let’s think about chairs in general – there are so many different types of chair – dining, chesterfield, wing back, upright, tub, desk, directors, bistro, ladderback, rocking, garden, deck, recliner – I could go on! Which chairs are best for you?

The answer is a chair in which you feel comfortable but also provides the correct support for maintaining good posture. Now I’ve talked about ‘good posture’ before. It’s not sitting bolt upright as sometimes you would imagine. It’s maintaining the natural curves of your spine and trying to prevent leaning one way or the other for any length of time. ‘Normal’ posture alters and is never static for too long.

Sitting Posture – firstly make sure that the chair you sit in is a good fit – you should be able to sit with your bottom right back in the chair, keeping hips at around 90 degrees, thighs supported and feet flat on the floor. Arm rests should not be too high, and the width of the chair should allow for relaxed arms but not encourage sideways leaning. Use cushions or pillows if you need to for extra support.

This picture is one from the MS trust and shows clearly good and bad sitting positions.

Those of you who know me well will be aware of my constant advice about never sitting for more than 30 minutes without getting up and moving around – if you are finding that you are sitting for prolonged periods of time then try to do this. Have a walk into the kitchen or round the garden. If you’re not able to then just stand up and perhaps do some marching on the spot. Return to a good posture when you sit down again.

People often worry that if they get a riser chair it may make them lose their ability to get up unaided but if there are already problems then it will help to make life easier and aid independence. With the variable nature of Parkinson’s disease, you may not have to use the rise facility every time you get up and can always practice strengthening exercises to help maintain the ability you have.

When you’re struggling to stand then it may be time to invest in a new chair. The following link takes you to ‘Independent Living’ advice on choosing rise/recline chairs.