Getting into and out of a chair

If you find it hard to get into and out of your chair, you may be at risk of falls. There are many things you can do to make using a chair easier and safer.

On this page

How to get out of a chair

This video shows you the safest way to get up out of a chair.

Getting up from a chair — YouTube (external link)

Follow these steps

1

Move your bottom

Move your bottom to the front of the chair.

2

Move your feet

Move your feet so they are under your knees and your feet are hip width apart.

3

Move your hands

Put your hands either on your knees or on the arms of the chair.

4

Lean forward and push up

Bring your head and shoulders over your knees so your weight is forward. Push up through your legs to stand up.

How to sit down safely

Follow these steps

1

Reach behind you

Reach back with your hands to hold the armrests or sides of the chair. You may need to bend your knees and hips a little.

2

Lean forward

Lean forward with your head and shoulders and bend at your hips.

3

Lower yourself

Slowly lower yourself so your bottom is as far back in the chair as possible.

How to make sitting and standing safer

  • Raise the height of your chair with a chair raiser or chair blocks. You can get these from disability equipment suppliers.
  • Place your chair close to something you can pull on, such as a grab bar, support rails or a floor-to-ceiling pole.
  • Start an exercise programme to strengthen your legs.
  • Make sure your floor is not slippery.
  • Consider buying a new chair using the tips below.
  • Consider buying an electric recliner lift chair from a disability equipment supplier.

Choosing a new chair

There are things you should consider when choosing a new chair.

Seat height

  • Choose a chair that is the right height for you. A higher seat is easier and safer to get into and out of.
  • When seated, your feet should be comfortably placed on the floor in front of your chair. Your knees and hips should be bent at around 90 degrees and your feet hip-width apart.
  • Often chairs are higher at the front than the back to make them more comfortable. Make sure the seat is not angled too deeply at the back. This can make getting out of the chair difficult.
  • The seat of the chair should be long enough to support the full length of your thigh. If it is too short, it will not provide enough support. If it is too long, it encourages poor posture. With a long seat, your bottom may not be far enough back, and your feet may dangle above the floor.

Support

The seat and back of your chair should be comfortable but firm. A chair that is too soft can cause your back muscles to contract and go into spasm. It can also be too hard to get out of. Make sure the chair supports your lower back and holds it in the correct position (not swayed or rounded).

Arm rests

Look for good, solid armrests to help you get into and out of the chair. Check you do not have to reach too far backwards to grip them.

Reclining chairs

When choosing a reclining chair, make sure you can easily get into and out of it. If you have poor sitting balance, make sure you fit snugly in the chair. If the chair is too wide, you are more likely to sit leaning to one side.

Choose a fabric that is easy to clean.