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Choosing a chair and chair accessories
We spend a great deal of our lives sitting down and because of this it is
very important that we have comfortable chairs to provide us with adequate postural
support. If someone has to spend most of the day in a sitting position it is
vital that that person has a chair that is tailored to meet his or her individual
needs. Size, degree of mobility and chronic pain, are some of the factors which
need to be considered when choosing a chair. Comfort and the ability to be as
independent as possible are crucial issues. If you do not wish to buy a new
chair there are several types of accessories and adaptations available which
may make it possible to adapt your existing chair. The products advised upon
here are all 'lounge' chairs, rather than office or dining chairs. These 'lounge'
chairs are designed mainly for relaxation but when buying one you need to bear
in mind such activities as reading, knitting, writing, watching television etc
as these activities require changes in posture.
Provision of chair equipment
Standard chairs and chair accessories are generally regarded as daily living equipment, and may be provided by an occupational therapist from your local social services department if you live in England and Wales; the social work department if you live in Scotland and the Health and Social Services Boards or Trusts if you live in Northern Ireland. However, due to budget constraints many social services are now unable to provide this sort of equipment so it is important to ask your local social services what you may be entitled to.
Provision may include: People with complex seating needs may be referred to a specialist seating clinic through a District Health Authority. Such clinics will carry out an assessment and provide advice on seating in chairs and wheelchairs.
British standards:
All upholstered furniture that is intended for private use in a house needs to conform to the Furniture and Furnishings (fire)(safety) Regulations 1988. Within each standard there are several parts with tests of increasing severity. Check with suppliers which parts have been met.
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