Seat lifts: What device will make it easier for me to get up from a chair?

It is important to feel confident in your ability to stand up from a seated position.

For a simple solution, you may be interested in knowing about furniture risers, which raise furniture by a few inches, making it easier to stand up from a seated position. Below are direct links to some examples of such products:

• Slipstick Furniture Risers (at Amazon Canada) raise beds, couches and armchairs by two inches to assist with the sit-to-stand process. This product, which comes with four risers, costs about $20 to $25 (CDN) and is also available from other online retailers, including Bed, Bath & Beyond Canada. 
• Honey-Can-Do Bed Lifts (at Home Depot Canada) can raise the bed by three inches, making it easier to stand up from a seated position. These risers, which come in a pack of four and can hold up to 600 pounds, cost about $70 (CDN).  

Another option for your sofa or chair is a high-density foam cushion, which will provide additional height to sitting surfaces and is transportable. These cushions can be purchased from most foam shops and medical equipment suppliers, including the Foam Factory and the Foam Shop.

You may also be interested in exploring mechanical seat lifts, which are electric-powered portable seats that can lift the user up from a seated position to help them stand more easily. Place the seat lift on your chair or sofa and it will mechanically rise to help you get to your feet. Below are direct links to some examples of such products:

• Carex Upeasy Seat Assist (at Senior Store) is a self-powered device designed to help people stand up without assistance. The seat activates automatically, without electricity or batteries, as users begin to stand, helping to lift approximately 70% of their weight. The Uplift Seat Assist comes in two variations: STANDARD which can lift between 80 and 230 pounds (36 to 104 kilogram), or PLUS which can lift between 200 and 350 pounds (91 to 154 kilogram); these seats cost about $150 (CDN) plus an additional shipping fee. Electric versions of this product are also available from other online retailers including Halo Healthcare and LifeSupply comes in two sizes (17 inches or 20 inches) and costs about $220 to $300 (CDN). Amazon has a variety of seat assists, which range from $100 to $750 (CDN) plus an additional shipping fee.
• Carex Uplift Seat Assist (at Amazon Canada) is a portable and lightweight seat lift that can be used inside or outside the home. This product, which works on most armchairs or sofas and has a memory foam cushion, costs about $150 to $160 (CDN).

Keep in mind that without regular exercise or activity, use of these products may result in you losing further strength and function in your legs.