Recovering From Open-Heart Surgery: What to Look for in a Chair at Home
Before heart surgery, you might be thinking about the hospital stay, the ride home and who will be there to help. It is also worth thinking about something much more ordinary: where you will sit when you get home.
A low, soft couch may be your favorite spot now, but it might not be the easiest seat to use while you recover. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust recommends having a chair ready that is not too low and has arm supports. If you are considering a power lift chair, the most useful first step is to ask your surgeon or physical therapist what kind of sitting, reclining and standing support is right for your procedure.
Could a lift chair be useful after heart surgery?
A power lift chair reclines for rest and gradually raises to help you move toward a standing position. For some people, that makes it worth considering as a temporary part of their home setup. Others already have a supportive chair that suits their needs.
The important question is how your care team wants you to move. Some open-heart surgeries involve an incision through the breastbone. If yours does, you may receive specific instructions about using your arms and upper body when getting out of a chair. Your team can tell you whether a lift chair's movement is appropriate for you and show you how to use it safely. MedlinePlus heart bypass discharge guidance describes the need to protect the chest during early recovery, but your own discharge instructions should guide what you do at home.
Choose for fit and everyday comfort
When you compare chairs, start with your height and the seat dimensions. You want a chair that feels supportive when seated and gives you a comfortable place to rest your feet. Then think about the features you would actually use. Some of our lift chairs let you adjust the backrest and footrest separately; others offer additional headrest or lumbar support.
It can help to ask your care team a few practical questions before choosing:
What seat height works for me?
How should I get into and out of a chair?
Are there reclining positions I should use or avoid?
If I hope to sleep in a recliner, is that appropriate for my recovery?
A comfortable reclining position is personal, and a lift chair should not replace the walking and movement plan your care team gives you. The American Heart Association notes that recovery varies by procedure and by person.
Get your space ready before you come home
Choose a spot where you can get to the chair easily and keep the things you use most within reach. Clear the path from the entrance and remove loose rugs that could cause a trip or slip. If you are arranging a rental, tell us about stairs, a long walkway or any other delivery details when you make your request. You can review our delivery areas and rates ahead of time.
If you would like the chair ready when you return home, send your preferred delivery date as soon as you know it. We will confirm availability and the delivery plan with you.
Let us help you narrow it down
You do not need to guess which chair might work. On our chair request form, choose Help Me Decide and share your height, preferred delivery date and any seating guidance your care team has given you. We can help you compare the available chairs and talk through the practical details.
Preparing for recovery at home? Request a lift chair or call (925) 496-6799.