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These top picks will help you transition from sitting to standing with ease. Powered Elevating Toilet Seat Lift
Chair aids can be a helpful addition to someone’s home life if they are having difficulty transitioning from sitting to standing. Chair aids are good for people with some weakness that impacts core or hip strength when you sit or stand, says Eliana Cardozo, a physiatrist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Chair aids can especially help people with arthritis, says Karen Jacobs, OT, an occupational therapist and clinical professor at Boston University.
We researched dozens of chair aids and evaluated them for material, size, ease of use, weight capacity, setup, and value. We also had an internist and rheumatology fellow from our Medical Expert Board review this article for accuracy and safety in relation to the type of device and stability.
One of the most important factors when purchasing and using chair aids is that the device will be compatible with your home life and that the people using and assisting with the aid have the proper training. Dr. Jacobs suggests having an occupational therapist come to the home to train caregivers and users. She adds that they can also recommend the best devices for the user and that knowing how to use a device properly is a matter of safety for both parties.
These home assessments can involve the practitioner observing all areas of the home—from the bedroom to the kitchen to the living room. They can then offer any additional recommendations that could improve someone’s home life so they can easily move throughout their space without risks of falling or getting injured. Dr. Jacobs reminds us that the chair aid is just one component of the home, and that's why the home assessment is critical.
Dr. Cardozo says that before buying a chair aid for yourself or as a gift for someone else, the user should have their doctor evaluate them to make sure they pick the right type of device for their needs. It is important to talk with your doctor about your injury and what options might be available to improve your ability to go from sitting to standing.
May be difficult to transfer to other seats
More expensive than some options
Materials: Metal | Type of Assist: Manual | Weight: Product weighs 7 lbs; supports up to 300 lbs
We chose Able Life's Universal Stand Assist as the best overall pick because it helps people easily stand up and sit down. This device is easy to assemble and has an inconspicuous design that allows it to be placed flush against any surface.
You can place the device underneath your couch or chair cushions or on top of them, depending on your preference. All it takes is grabbing onto the padded handles on either side to help you gently lift yourself into a standing position.
This pick is a little pricier than others on our list. It also may be difficult to transfer to other seats.
Handle size might be small for some users
Materials: Rubber | Type of Assist: Manual | Weight: Product weighs 1 lb; supports up to 350 lbs
Able Life’s Handy Handle is an affordable option if you’re looking to assist or be assisted from sitting to standing. After each party grabs onto a side of the handle, the person doing the assisting can gently pull to help lift the other person into a standing position.
The handle has rubber grips on either side to prevent the device from tearing or rubbing against the users’ hands. It is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you no matter where you’re going.
The one downside is that this device requires the assistance of another person, which is something to consider depending on your personal needs.
Can be difficult to assemble
Base slides on some surfaces
Materials: Metal | Type of Assist: Manual | Weight: Product weighs 5.9 lbs; supports up to 300 lbs
The Bandwagon Portable Chair assist is a great option for anyone who is recovering from a surgery or suffering from physical impairments. The device is portable, so you can use it wherever needed throughout your home. The device can be set up right against a chair or sofa, where its sturdy design allows you to grab onto any of the three available handles to help lift yourself into a standing position.
The multiple handles are an added bonus of the device because it gives you different grip options for however you want to stand. The device is also more affordable compared to some of the others on the market, making for an optimal choice for anyone on a budget.
This device is more difficult to assemble and the base may slide on some surfaces.
More expensive than some options
Materials: Steel | Type of Assist: Manual | Weight: Product weighs 20 lbs; supports up to 250 lbs
Not only is the Stander CouchCane functional to help transition anyone from sitting to standing, but it also addresses other needs someone might have. The cane comes with a four-pocket organizer pouch that can store items such as glasses, TV remotes, or cell phones. For an extra cost, you can purchase a swiveling tray that fits right at the top of the cane to make it the perfect table to use wherever you need.
The cane is adjustable at the base and height, allowing it to work for various couches and chairs around a home. Its ability to be secured underneath a couch or sofa makes it especially safe for users who require help with balancing.
This is heavier than other picks and more expensive than other options.
Doesn’t work for all chairs
No handle for added support
Materials: Polyester | Type of Assist: Hydropneumatic gas spring | Weight: Product weighs 7.9 lbs; supports up to 300 lbs
This portable device is a manual lifting cushion that works to transition someone from seating to standing. The hydropneumatic gas spring in the chair will slowly release as the user stands up, pushing the seat upward to bring you from sitting to standing.
For best results, the device should be used on chairs or sofas with firm seating and backing. At only eight pounds, this device is easy to carry around with you wherever you go and can be used in multiple settings. The cover of the chair is also machine washable.
The product is not recommended for softer surfaces like recliners and soft chairs.
Available in multiple sizes and styles
Wooden slab feels too thin for some
Surface not as slick to slide
Materials: Plastic and bariatric wood | Type of Assist: Manual | Weight: Product weighs 1 lb; supports up to 440 lbs
Transfer from one location to your wheelchair with ease with the help of the DMI Transfer Board. This board comes in four different sizes, so you can find a size that fits your needs in particular. It also comes with built-in handles that allow the user to grip the board as they slide from their wheelchair to a different surface or vice versa. The board can make adjustable beds, already designed for ease and functionality, and make them safer to get in and out of.
However, if you’re not looking for a handle option, the company has also created a board free of handles that can just be used to slide from seat to seat. To use the board, position one end on the wheelchair seat and the other on the other surface. The person can then slide across the board easily to transfer to the new spot.
The wooden slab may feel a little slick for some users. The surface isn't as slick to slide either.
May not work in all vehicles
Materials: Aluminum and soft rubber | Type of Assist: Manual | Weight: Product weighs 0.4 lbs; supports up to 300 lbs
You shouldn’t have to struggle in order to enter or exit your vehicle, and the Able Life Auto Cane is the portable solution that will help you out of any car seat. The portable cane slots into the U-shaped door striker latch that one can find on the back of the door frame. Once slotted in, you can grasp the handle to help transition your body into or out of the vehicle. This handle features a soft rubber handle, provides a sturdy grip for the user, and can support up to 300 lbs.
The only downside of this device is it only works with U-shaped door striker latches, so make sure it is compatible with your vehicle prior to purchasing.
We researched dozens of chair aids and evaluated them based on expert guidance and the following criteria: material, size, ease of use, weight capacity, setup, and value.
We consulted doctors and medical experts at every step of writing this article, including:
Although chair aids can help to eliminate safety concerns for the user, these aids, if used improperly or are of poor quality, could still cause falls. Dr. Jacobs reminds us that safety is crucial when using a chair aid and that at any point if you feel unstable as if you might fall, the aid isn't for you. She recommends for anyone who is looking to use a chair aid to first be evaluated by a doctor to ensure they are buying the correct product for themselves.
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
By Danielle Zoellner Danielle is a freelance writer based in NYC with a background in health writing.She’s written for publications like The Independent, DailyMail.com, and Vox.Danielle has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
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