What a rental lift chair does
Standing up from a low sofa or armchair takes more leg and core strength than most people realize. A lift chair does that work for you. A small electric motor tilts the whole seat forward and upward so your feet are on the floor and you're most of the way to standing before you take any weight. The same motor lowers you back down slowly when you sit, and reclines the chair for resting, reading or napping.
Everything runs from a simple hand control with a couple of buttons, so it's easy to learn in a few minutes. The chair plugs into a normal wall outlet.
Who rents one
A lift chair isn't medical treatment, and we don't give medical advice. If you're recovering from a procedure, check with your care team about what kind of seating suits you.
- People coming home after surgery or a hip or knee procedure, when getting up from a regular chair is hard or not recommended for a while
- Anyone with limited mobility at home who wants to stay independent without leaning on a family member every time they stand
- Families hosting an older relative for a few weeks — a winter visit, a holiday or a long stay
- Caregivers who want to reduce the lifting and pulling they do through the day
Standard vs heavy-duty and extra-wide
We rent a standard lift recliner and a heavy-duty, extra-wide model for people who need a roomier seat or more support. Tell us the height and approximate weight of the person who'll use the chair when you request a quote, and we'll recommend the right one. We'll confirm the exact size and capacity of the chair we're bringing before delivery.
What delivery and setup involve
Lift chairs are big and heavy, so we handle the carrying. Before delivery day, it helps to do three things: pick the spot where the chair will go, make sure there's a wall outlet within reach of the chair's cord, and measure any narrow doorway, hallway turn or stairs on the way in.
On the day, we bring the chair inside, place it where you want it, plug it in and run through the controls with the person who'll use it and anyone helping them. We'll also show you what to do if the power goes out. When the rental ends, we come back and take it away.
How long people rent them
Most lift chair rentals run from a couple of weeks to a few months — long enough to get through a recovery or a family visit. You can rent weekly or monthly, and if you need it longer than planned, just call and we'll extend it.
Getting the room ready
Pick a spot with a firm, level floor and enough clear space in front of the chair for the user to stand up and take a step or two without bumping into a coffee table. Move rugs that could catch a foot, and keep a side table within reach for a phone, water and the hand control's resting place. If the chair will sit against a wall, leave a little room behind it so the backrest can recline.
Think about the path the user takes most — chair to bathroom, chair to kitchen — and clear it of cords and clutter. A nightlight along that path helps in the evening.
Who a lift chair isn't right for
A lift chair helps someone who can bear some weight on their legs get from sitting to standing. It isn't a transfer device for someone who can't stand at all, and it doesn't replace a hospital bed. If the user can't take any weight on their legs, ask their care team what equipment they recommend before renting.
Tips for the first few days
- Practice standing and sitting with someone nearby until it feels natural
- Wait until the chair stops moving before stepping away or sitting back
- Keep the hand control in the same place every time so it's easy to find
- Call us if anything feels off — we'd rather answer a question than have you guess
Lift chair vs a standard recliner
| Lift chair | Standard recliner | |
|---|---|---|
| Helps you stand | Yes — motor raises the seat | No |
| Reclines | Yes, powered | Yes, usually by lever or push-back |
| Needs an outlet | Yes | Usually not |
| Best for | Limited strength or balance when standing | General comfort |
Questions people ask
Can I rent a lift chair for a week or a month?
Yes. Weekly and monthly rentals are the most common, and you can extend if you need it longer.
How much space and what power does it need?
Allow room for the chair to recline and tilt forward, and have a standard wall outlet within reach of its cord. We'll help you choose the spot on delivery day.
Will it fit through my door?
Most homes are fine. If you have a narrow doorway, tight hallway turn or stairs, measure them and tell us when you book so we can plan the delivery.
Do you set it up and show me how it works?
Yes. We place the chair, plug it in and walk you through the controls before we leave.
Can I rent a heavy-duty or extra-wide chair?
Yes. Tell us the user's height and approximate weight and we'll recommend the right model.
What happens when I'm done?
Call or email us and we'll schedule a pickup. We carry it out — you don't need to move it.
How much does it cost?
Rates depend on the equipment and how long you keep it — the longer the rental, the lower the daily rate. Delivery, setup and pickup are included. See our pricing page or request a free quote for your exact dates.
More help for home recovery
- Wheelchair Rentals Standard, transport and power options
- Caregiver Rental Checklist Flying in to help a parent?
- Choosing for an Elderly Parent Scooter, wheelchair or lift chair
- Get a Quote Pick dates and see your total
Ready to book?
Pick your dates for an exact quote, or call and we'll help you choose.