Riser recliners for people with Down's syndrome

Many adults with Down's syndrome are shorter than average. DSMIG growth information gives UK average adult heights of about 4ft 9in for women and 5ft 2in for men.

That means a standard riser recliner can often be too tall or too deep. Some people are left with their feet dangling, or with the front of the seat pressing behind the knee.

When the chair fits, it is easier to sit right back, keep your feet supported, and use the rise action in a steadier way.

These are practical fit issues, not medical judgements. They are often about chair size and shape.

• Perching on the front edge because the seat is too deep.
• Slumping or sliding forward because the chair does not support sitting right back.
• The footrest edge catching behind the knee.
• Arms that are too high to rest on comfortably.
• A seat that is too narrow or too wide. Width is sized to the hips, not to height.

We make four standard sizes, including petite riser recliners, and we can make made-to-measure riser recliners when a standard size is not quite right.

• Seat height.
• Seat depth.
• Seat width.
• Footrest position.
• Arm height.
• Back height.

The online price builder on each chair page, such as the Contour riser recliner, suggests a size from height and weight as a starting point. We confirm fit by measuring in person, because leg length, hip width and how someone likes to sit all matter.

Every powered Comfort Workshop chair is dual motor tilt-in-space. The backrest and footrest move separately, and tilt-in-space tips the seat and back together so hip and knee angles stay the same.

Ordinary recline opens the back angle and can let some people slide down the chair. Tilt-in-space changes the whole sitting angle, which can make sitting back feel more settled and helps spread weight more evenly.

You can read more in our riser recliner mechanisms guide, our dual motor riser recliner page, and our posture and pressure care guide. Pressure care needs should be assessed by a nurse or occupational therapist.

Every powered chair also has basic battery backup in case of a power cut.

For side support, a lateral support cushion is available as an option. It gives some extra support at the sides. There is also a choice of back styles, and we can help you compare how each one feels.

Every chair comes with the same simple dual motor handset. It has four large, clearly marked buttons that light up: backrest upright, backrest recline, footrest up and footrest down. Pressing footrest down again when it is fully down raises the chair to help you stand.

The handset cannot be simplified, reduced or locked. We will show everyone how it works and take time to practise.

Needs can change as people get older. The Down's Syndrome Association notes that some age-related changes can come earlier for adults with Down's syndrome in its Getting Older resource.

That is why it helps to think about fit, comfort and practical adjustability now. A chair should suit the person using it today, while allowing sensible choices around cushions, fabric and support.

A riser recliner suits someone who can stand up with the chair's help. It is not the right answer for every situation.

If someone needs hoisting, cannot manage a standing transfer, or has complex postural needs, an occupational therapist assessment should come first. A care chair or specialist seating may be more suitable.

For more complex needs, our sister brand Specialist Seating may be able to help, usually alongside an occupational therapist assessment.

You can ask the GP, the community learning disability team, or the council for an occupational therapist assessment.

Anyone with new neck pain, changes in walking, weakness or changes in continence should speak to their GP.

1. First, visit our showroom on Main Street, Kirton, NG22 9LP, near Newark. Visits are by appointment, 9am to 6pm, seven days a week. Take your time, bring the person who will use the chair, and bring anyone who supports them.
2. The other option is a free home demonstration anywhere in the UK. We measure in the person's home, in the shoes they usually wear, at a pace that suits them. Familiar surroundings can make it easier, and you can tell us if you would like extra time.

There is no pressure, no obligation.

The person using the chair should choose a style and fabric they like. The chair is part of their home, so it should look and feel right to them.

We offer wipe-clean fabric options, and our chairs are made to look like home furniture, not hospital equipment.

Our prices are published online on each chair page, so you can see the cost before you speak to us.

Frames are made from birch plywood and timber. The frame has a 25-year guarantee, and the mechanism has a 5-year guarantee.

Some people may be eligible for VAT relief. You can read our VAT exemption guide, and HMRC also publishes VAT relief guidance.

The council may help after a care-needs assessment, but councils vary. Independent Age has a guide to choosing disability equipment, and RiDC has a riser recliner chair guide.

When we deliver your new chair, we can collect the old chair for free and donate it to The Furniture Project.

I'm James Carter, and Comfort Workshop is a father-and-son furniture maker run with my Dad, David. Our chairs are made to order in our Nottinghamshire workshop, with time taken to get the fit, fabric and details right.

You can read more about Comfort Workshop if you would like to know who will be making the chair.

• Down's Syndrome Association provides information and support for people with Down's syndrome and those who support them.
• NHS Down's syndrome information gives a plain overview of health, development and support.
• Down Syndrome UK shares information, training and resources.
• Nottinghamshire Down's Syndrome Support Group is a local support group in Nottinghamshire.
• Lincolnshire Down's Syndrome Support Group is a local support group in Lincolnshire.
• Down's Syndrome Derby is a local group for Derby and the surrounding area.
• Living Made Easy chair guide gives independent information on choosing chairs and chair accessories.

We're not connected with these organisations and they don't endorse our chairs; we list them because they are useful sources of information.

The best first step is to book a showroom visit, so the person who will use the chair can try sizes, fabrics and controls with plenty of time.

If visiting us is not practical, the other option is a free home demonstration. You can also phone us on 01623 347 801.