Transfers aren’t just about standing up, they’re critical moments that can either build independence or create risks. For Occupational Therapists (OTs), choosing a recliner that supports safe, easy transfers is key to protecting both users and carers. Here’s why chair design matters and what features to look for.
The Science Behind Safe Transfers
A successful transfer from a recliner involves:
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Forward lean: Helps initiate the standing movement.
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Arm push-off: Provides power and stability.
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Correct seat height: Allows users to generate upward momentum by placing feet flat and pushing against the floor.
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Foot contact: Ensures stability and balance.
Each of these relies on the chair’s design. The type of transfer, whether stand-pivot, slide-board, or hoist-assisted, must match both the user’s physical ability and the chair’s features.
When the Chair Becomes a Barrier
Poorly designed chairs can turn transfers into dangerous tasks. Common problems include:
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Seats too deep or too low: Users struggle to shift forward to get their feet on the floor or have to put in more effort to stand up from a low surface. A too deep seat makes it difficult to reach the transfer aid handles to pull into a stand.
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Fixed armrests: They prevent the placement of a transfer board, making lateral transfers to a wheelchair difficult or impossible.
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Closed base frame or fixed rise angle: Prevents use of essential transfer equipment such as sit-to-stand transfer aids and hoist legs.
These barriers can cause unsafe movement patterns, strain carers, and increase falls risk.
How Modular Features Improve Transfers
Chairs like the Configura Comfort are designed with transfer safety in mind. Key features include:
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Rise function with supportive angle: Helps users stand without destabilizing the chair.
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Drop-down or removable armrests: Enable easy slide-board or lateral transfers. The ability to bring armrests closer to the body accommodates clients with wider hip widths or asymmetrical body shapes, enabling effective push-off support.
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Adjustable seat height: Ensures optimal leg positioning and easier push-off.
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Flat, open base frame: Allows access for hoists, floor lifters, and transfer aids.
These features adapt the chair to the user’s transfer method, not the other way around.
Who Benefits Most?
Transfer-supportive recliners are ideal for:
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Stroke or post-surgery recovery clients
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Users with Parkinson’s, MS, frailty, or reduced mobility
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Clients using sit-to-stand transfer aids or hoists for transfers out of their recliner chair
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Short-statured individuals or those with asymmetrical posture
Modular seating, chairs with adjustable components like seat depth, armrests, and rise functions, isn't just for high-risk users; it’s valuable for anyone who relies on regular transfers for daily mobility.
Quick Assessment Tips for OTs
When evaluating a recliner for transfers:
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Match the seat height to the user's lower leg length.
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Check foot placement during sit-to-stand trials.
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Test armrest functionality to ensure lateral access.
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Evaluate under-chair clearance for sit-to-stand aids.
A few extra minutes assessing these factors can prevent long-term injuries and improve user independence.
Conclusion: Fit the Chair to the Movement
Transfers are more than a task, they're a lifeline to independence. Chairs that facilitate easy, safe movement help clients maintain dignity, reduce injury risk, and ease the demands on carers.
Choosing a modular recliner like the Configura Comfort is a smart investment in safety, mobility, and quality of life.
Related Resource: Chair Sizing Matters Too
Understanding chair design for transfers is only part of the equation. Getting the right size chair is equally essential for safe posture and pressure relief.
📖 For more insights, read our blog: Why Getting Recliner Chair Size Right Matters for Better Care to dive into clinical sizing tips and adjustable chair benefits.
