We found with our Father, then also with our Mother that we retro-fit what they had by building booster stands/platforms for their recliners. That way there was no great expense to find and purchase new ones, especially since they were fairly new and in great condition. This can even be done for couches, just ensure that you have enough 2X4's for support under plywood. They may be painted or stained to match furnishings if that is all that is holding caregivers back from doing this.
If you do go shopping for a regular couch, what you need to look for is one that sits high. choose the highest seat you can. She will have much difficulty getting out of anything that sinks low when you sit down. I found that the ones that were sofa-beds were much firmer, and sat higher than the others. We chose one of those. We also bought him the electronic lift chair, which is where he ususaly sits, but you need more than one piece of furniture in the room.
Never just order a couch or power chair. Get a prescription from the MD and have her properly measured for seat height and depth. Even a wheelchair needs to be fitted properly . A year later she should be moving about independently. I have a feeling she did not or could not complete the PT goals. I would ask the MD why there is no progress.
If she somewhat is active by now, much happy living appears to go well! When she does sit down on the couch, such as to read or watch TV, it should be have comfortably firm cushion, and the best affordable powered riser to use. If unsure by now what is the proper couch, ask Mom's doctor or the physical therapist she had seen at the time of the hip surgery.
If she had a hip replaced one year ago, she should be up and about NOT lounging around in a couch! Exercise is the only remedy to get her active again. Keep her off a couch as much as possible as her hip and back will benefit. If there is pain or a problem with the hip replacement, consult a second opinion from the dr. who performed the surgery. The metal replacement might be the problem too. In any event, keep her active. Both of us (66) and (88) keep very active and don't sit much, and both have osteoporosis.
I live in Buffalo, N.Y. We have a place called Independent leaving. A social worker comes to your home with a booklet of many things that will help your mom be more independent & other items for her to help make life easier. IT's a non-for profit agency. My mom received the couch your inquiring about & she loved to cook but had severe arthritis,so she was given items so she can continue to cook bathing equipment to help her get in & out of the shower. I suggest you look to on the internet for programs in your area . The couch required a doctors script Good luck!
Tilly, are you in UK or US? In UK you can call local Occupational Therapy folk to come in and assess her needs and guide you... even if it is a year since her operation. Plus she can get a grant for a lot of it. Not sure if US has the same service.
Where do you live? I am in Southern md. and I know where you can get a lift chair on a pay it forward basis. Meaning there is no charge. just pass it on when your mom no longer needs it.
Speak to her Occupational Therapist... they will be able to put you in touch with reputable furniture shop. Just because she has had a hip replacement, she may not need a raiser chair long term, but may be wise investment for the longer term.
Our OT warned us against buying without trying, so if it is possible, take mum with you when you find one you think she'll like. (Once you find one you can always shop around online for the best price)
She would probably be better off in a power riser chair. Look on line at the options available. There are ones with heat, massage, that can lay down flat, or with feet elevated above the heart. Also consider her size. She would probably like arms to hold on to and to rest on. Get incontinence pads in case she wets herself while seated.
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Google, Where do you live. I'll do some online research for you.
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In UK you can call local Occupational Therapy folk to come in and assess her needs and guide you... even if it is a year since her operation.
Plus she can get a grant for a lot of it.
Not sure if US has the same service.
Just because she has had a hip replacement, she may not need a raiser chair long term, but may be wise investment for the longer term.
Our OT warned us against buying without trying, so if it is possible, take mum with you when you find one you think she'll like.
(Once you find one you can always shop around online for the best price)
OT should give you the best advice.