As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can impact our mobility and overall comfort and sense of well-being. For the elderly, sitting for long periods of time can lead to discomfort, pressure ulcers, and reduced circulation. Tilt-in-Space (TiS) chairs are supportive chairs that are uniquely designed to address these concerns and can play a vital role in overcoming some of the issues faced by elderly patients.
What is a Tilt in Space chair?
These specialist chairs are designed to redistribute the pressure on a patient’s body without having to adjust key body joints. The Tilt-in-Space element allows the whole seating system to be moved as one unit, so there is no need to change the angles of a patient’s body when helping with pressure relief.
Carers of elderly patients favour the Tilt-in-Space function because they easily and conveniently offer the patient increased mobility and comfort. Some chairs can be manually adjusted, but in the electric versions of the Kirton Duo, Hydrotilt, Hydroflex and Smartseat Pro 2, the AutoTilt motion can be regulated so that the chair moves itself very slowly over a period of time. This is ideal for when someone is in their own home.
“Tilt-in-Space not only improves the comfort of the person sat in the chair, but creates peace of mind and user friendliness for the caregiver.” – Graham Bloxham, Premiere Healthcare Sales Director.
What does Tilt-in-Space chair mean?
The benefits of a Tilt-in-Space chair for elderly patients
There are many reasons why a Tilt-in-Space chair is a good choice for elderly care:
1. Pressure Redistribution
Human bodies can only withstand high interface pressures for a short period of time before pressure sores and skin breakdown become a problem. For that reason, it is important to relieve pressure on different parts of the body at regular intervals. Carers can usually do this by regularly changing a patient’s position, but for an elderly person this may not always be possible. However, a Tilt-in-Space chair can redistribute pressure evenly across the body without a patient having to move their body parts. By tilting to evenly distribute weight, these chairs help prevent pressure ulcers and alleviate discomfort caused by prolonged sitting.
The AutoTilt actuation on the electric version of the CareFlex chairs will do this pressure redistribution automatically. The function moves the chairs through small degrees of tilt at short intervals to redistribute pressure. This can actually be a more cost effective solution than a client having to source a care package for regular repositioning.
2. Postural Support and Comfort
Body posture and positioning have a direct impact on the pressure going through specific body sites. However, as we age, maintaining correct posture becomes even more important and increasingly challenging. “Tilt-in-Space gives the user confidence to sit comfortably knowing their pressure relieving and postural needs are being taken care of,” says Annabell Crabtree, Premiere Healthcare Business Development Manager.
Tilt-in-Space chairs provide excellent postural support for seniors as the Tilt-in-Space function allows the patient’s head and back to be fully supported at all times. This spreads the pressure evenly throughout the body and increases blood flow, which reduces the chance of body sores. It also promotes optimal alignment of the spine, reducing the risk of patients developing musculoskeletal issues.
3. Circulation and Respiratory Health
Poor circulation is a common problem among the elderly and can result in edema and increased risk of blood clots. Tilt-in-Space chairs play a vital role in improving circulation by allowing users to adjust their position to promote blood flow. If the patient is at a higher risk of pressure injuries, a greater tilt angle is required. By tilting the chair backwards, the lower extremities are elevated which helps to increase blood flow and reduce leg pressure.
The adjustable reclining feature also helps to open up the chest and expand the lungs, facilitating better breathing for seniors. Enhanced respiration leads to increased oxygenation, reducing the likelihood of respiratory complications and improving overall pulmonary function.
4. Independence and Well-being
Maintaining a sense of independence and functional mobility can contribute to an overall sense of well-being in elderly patients. Tilt-in-Space chairs come with user-friendly controls that give users the ability to adjust their positions independently. They allow individuals to recline, tilt, or change positions without requiring assistance. This sense of autonomy helps elderly patients to retain a sense of dignity and control over their lives.
Tilt-in-Space chairs can also help an elderly patient to manage their energy levels. By coming into a tilted resting position for a period of time, patients can recuperate before returning upright. This means the patient expends far less energy attempting to stay comfortable, and can give them more capacity to enjoy daily activities.
Considering a tilt in space chair for someone elderly?
At Premiere Healthcare, we have a wide range of tilt-in-space specialist seating for elderly patients, available to hire or to buy. Our friendly Customer Service team can guide you through the choices and explain how to use a tilt-in-space chair correctly. For more details, please get in touch or book a seating assessment with one of our specialist seating experts.
