Recliners or Lift Chairs for Elderly: Which One Minimises Falls and Boosts Independence?

When it comes to comfort at home, a recliner chair is often at the top of the list. But for older adults, NDIS participants, or anyone with reduced mobility, choosing between a standard recliner and a lift chair recliner can make a big difference in day-to-day living.

Both styles have their benefits — it all comes down to your needs, preferences, and level of independence.

Experienced Local Team

A standard recliner is designed mainly for relaxation. There are two common types:

  • Manual pull-lever recliner – A classic style where you pull a lever to raise the footrest and tilt the back.
  • Electric recliner armchair – Uses a motor to recline smoothly with the press of a button, butdoes not assist you to stand up.

Both options focus on comfort and relaxation, but they don’t provide much help when it comes to sitting down or getting up, which can be a challenge for people with limited mobility.

A lift recliner chair does everything a standard recliner does, but also gently lifts and tilts forward, creating an ideal height to stand from and supporting a safe, comfortable rise. This simple function can make a huge difference for people who struggle with balance, strength, or joint pain.

Think of it as combining the comfort of a recliner with the practicality of a mobility aid — an essential part of aids for daily living alongside other daily living products such as walkers, mobility scooters, and even a comfort adjustable bed.

At Factory Direct Healthcare, we see lift recliner chairs as more than just furniture — they’re a tool that provides independence, safety, and day-to-day comfort.

Pros and Cons of Each Standard Recliner

Pros:

  • Wide range of styles and fabrics.
  • Comfortable for reading, watching TV, or relaxing.


Cons:

  • Doesn’t provide assistance when standing.
  • Manual recliners may be hard to operate for people with limited strength.
  • Sizing is often “one size fits all,” which may not suit every user.

Lift Recliner Chair

Pros:

  • Assists with standing and sitting safely.
  • Promotes independence for elderly users and NDIS participants.
  • Often comes with extra features like heat and massage.
  • Reduces strain on carers and family members.
  • Fitted to size by an equipment specialist, ensuring optimal ergonomic support.
  • Minimises risk of falls, providing safer daily living.


Cons:

  • Needs to be plugged into a power point to operate.

How to Choose the Right Chair

When deciding between a standard recliner and a lift recliner, consider the following:

  • Mobility needs – If standing up is a struggle, a lift chair will provide daily support and safety.
  • Comfort preferences – Both options are comfortable, but lift chairs often include extra features such as single, dual, or four-motor adjustments, allowing independent control of the back, legs, lumbar, and pillow, plus heat and massage options.
  • Room layout – Standard recliners can be placed anywhere in the room, while lift chairs need to be somewhat close to a power point depending on the room layout (to avoid a long cord running across the living space).
  • Sizing – Key ergonomic considerations include ensuring feet rest flat on the floor, thighs are parallel to the ground, and the user’s hips and shoulders are supported. Lift recliners can be fitted to size by an equipment specialist, including petite, standard, tall options, and extended footrests/backrests to suit a range of body shapes.
  • Remote usability – Consider how many buttons and controls are on the chair’s remote. Simpler remotes (single motor) are easier for some users, while advanced remotes on four-motor chairs allow infinite positioning and precise adjustments.

The Bottom Line

A standard recliner is great for general comfort, but if mobility, independence, and safety are priorities, a lift recliner chair is the smarter choice. At Factory Direct Healthcare, we stock a wide range of lift chairs for elderly and NDIS users, including options with multiple motor configurations, heat and massage, and advanced ergonomic features.

To find the best fit for you or your client, reach out to your closest Factory Direct team for a free in-home or showroom trial. Call us on 1300 649 121 and we’ll help you select the right option.

Feature

Kentucky Single Motor

New York Dual Motor

Miami & Florida Four Motor

Motor Control

Single motor: recline and lift

Two motors: independent back and leg control

Four motors: independent back, legs, lumbar, and pillow control

Adjustable Lumbar & Pillow

–

–

✅ Independently adjustable

Heat & Massage

–

✅

✅

Infinite Positioning

–

–

✅

Ease of Remote Use

Simple remote with USB charger

Remote with USB charger

Advanced remote with USB charger, allows infinite positioning

Weight Capacity (SWL)

130 kg

170 kg

170 kg

Available Sizes

Standard only

Standard only

Petite, Standard, Tall; optional extended footrest/backrest

Ergonomic Fit

Standard fit

Standard fit

Fully adjustable: backrest, armrest, seat depth/height, and remote usability

Key Benefits

Easy to use, lifts & reclines

Good for elevating legs while sitting upright, lift & recline

Premium option: full independent control, infinite positioning, heat & massage, fitted to user size

As an Australian-owned business, our team brings over 20 years of combined experience in the healthcare and mobility aids industry. We’re dedicated to offering high-quality products that support your independence, comfort, and well-being. With a focus on exceptional customer service, we aim to make mobility solutions accessible and ensure you’re fully supported throughout your journey with us.

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