We can help you avoid common pitfalls so you can pick a Care Chair that fits your body, supports your goals, and is easy to live with.
What you will learn:
- The five mistakes that lead to discomfort and money being wasted.
- How to check fit, function, and build quality.
- What good testing, training, and aftercare look like.
1) Skipping a proper needs checklist
A Care Chair can help with posture, skin protection, transfers, and energy conservation. However, if you buy based on looks or price alone, you risk not choosing the right chair and not getting adequate support.
How to get it right: Write a short list of what you want the chair to help you with. For example:
- Sit upright through lunch without sliding.
- Reduce leaning to one side while watching TV.
- Protect a sore area on the right hip.
- Help to open up the shoulders to take deep breaths.
Note how long you usually sit, where the chair will live, and who will help with set-up. Clear goals make it easier to choose well.
2) Ignoring adjustability and fit
One size does not fit everyone. Fixed dimensions often cause sliding, falls, pressure behind the knees, or dangling feet.
What a good fit looks like:
- Start with the pelvis right back in the seat.
- Aim for a small gap, about two fingers, between the front of the cushion and the back of the knees.
- Both feet should rest flat on the foot support or floor.
- The back should keep you centred without pushing you forward.
- The head should stay upright and supported.
It is not the right chair if it cannot be adjusted to achieve the points above.
3) Putting style before function
It is fine to want a chair that looks good in your home. Start with the chair’s function, then choose the look. If you lead with fabrics and colours, you risk a chair that slides you forward, tips your pelvis, or presses behind your knees. That can mean sore skin, shorter sitting times, and more help needed from family or carers.
Function: Can the chair keep you towards midline (upright) without effort? Try a gentle tilt to rest and see if you stay in position rather than sliding. Check that the armrests meet your elbows when your shoulders are relaxed, but do not hold you up. Your arms should be free to move and engage.
Try the chair: Sit for at least 10 minutes and try simple tasks you do at home, like reading or drinking water. The support works if you feel steady and are not slouching or sliding.
Finish comes last: Choose the look you want once fit and function are correct. Pick fabrics that suit how you live and are in keeping with your environment. You might also choose a colour that has meaning for you. We have some tips:
- Wipe-clean covers help with spills.
- Removable, washable covers help with daily hygiene.
Smooth, low-friction fabrics can increase sliding for some people, so balance easy cleaning with enough grip to stay comfortable.
Adjust the chair, or try a different model, if any of these checks fail. A beautiful chair that makes you slide, lean, or tire quickly will not get used, no matter how well it matches the sofa.
4) Not testing before you decide
A brochure cannot tell you how the chair will feel after a long day.
Try before you buy with real-life checks: At your assessment, your Seating Assessor sets the chair to your size, then you use it as you would at home. Sit back, take your time, and tell us how it feels. We show you the chair functions. You try them, and we adjust until staying upright feels easy. If standing is part of your routine, we practise sit-to-stand transfers, so it feels steady and predictable. You should always try before you buy.
5) Overlooking durability and support
Cheap today can be very costly tomorrow. Soft foams, weak frames, and no ability to purchase spare parts (such as covers) can lead to issues and early replacement.
How to check quality: Ask about aftercare, frame strength, cushion options, washable covers, and spare parts. Read warranty terms in a format that is accessible to you. Confirm who services the chair and how you book a visit. Also, ask where the chair was manufactured. A solid chair with reliable support is usually better value over its lifetime.
Quick pre-purchase checklist:
- Does the chair fit your body and your goals?
- Can it be adjusted now and readjusted later?
- Have you tested it and been shown how to set it up?
- Do you know who to contact for aftercare?
- Are covers and parts easy to clean and replace?
Summary:
The right Care Chair feels comfortable, keeps you steady, and fits your day. Avoid the common traps by setting clear goals, checking fit and adjustability, testing in person, and confirming aftercare. Small details, such as a two-finger seat depth gap and firm foot support, make a big difference to safety and confidence.