As people are living longer so does their desire for quality of life, independence and ease to aging. Though life extension continues we still have to contend with the symptoms of growing old. Often these include joint and hip problems, lower back limitations and a general fatigue of the body’s physical support systems. In order to accommodate these life changes, lift chairs are becoming increasingly popular. The handicapped also value as much independence as possible and also expect the greatest level of comfort possible to ease their already life limiting circumstances. For these people as well, the electric lift chair has become a more attractive option.

Back in the 80's the first chairs were designed for function with very little attention to design or comfort. They were bulky, heavy, clunky, and made of a tacky and often sticky type of vinyl. Providing a loud and large level of upright assistance they were ridiculed by the general public and avoided by those who could have benefited from them. Available only in medical supply stores, for years they represented only a necessary evil for living rooms and bedrooms since they had no attractive design characteristics.

Today the story has changed. Manufacturers have come to understand the value in a lift chair that is comfortable, attractive and affordable. Hiring designers to create an interior friendly wheel chair lift and combining quieter, smoother moving motors is changing the attitudes of those who need them and the loved ones who are now considering buying them. Moving away from medical supply stores and into main stream, they can now be found in furniture retail, stores specializing in ergonomics and even online shopping is available.

Today's designs include choices in custom designed fabrics, leather and micro fibers with the focus on comfort as well as function. They come in a wide variety of sizes and styles including some for the larger customer providing higher backs, wider seats and stronger lift engines to assure smooth and long lasting performance.

May vary according to brand name and design:
- Computer ports attached directly to the arms
- Phone jacks
- Small cooling units for drinks
- Water proof fabrics
- Replaceable Cushions
- Swivel ability
- Wall hugging styles
- Body message Controls
- Hand held controls

Though lift chair designs have come a long way in recognizing the need for a quality sitting comfort and independent support there is one area that has not improved. In fact, it has gone backwards. Policies in the early history of lift chairs were covered by most Medicare and insurance policies. Today they may not be covered at all or provide limited coverage by paying for the lift portion of the chair only.

Prices range from $500 to $1500. Manufacturers include: La-Z-Boy, Flex Steele, Pride Mobility, and Golden Technologies.

Within the past 10 years sales have doubled with these medical lift chairs. If you have put off purchasing lift chairs in the past, hesitate no longer. They have come of age and will meet or beat your past expectations.