Day Chair

A day chair should be selected after assessment of transfers, posture, sitting balance, pain, skin risk, lower-limb position, body measurements, activities and the home environment. Trial the exact chair at the intended height, depth and backrest setting.

Overview

A day chair is a supportive upright chair designed for daytime sitting.

Common features include:

Firm padded seat
Supportive armrests
Adjustable seat height
Adjustable seat depth on selected models
High or low backrest
Vinyl or fabric upholstery
Rear transport wheels
Optional footstool
Optional side table

A day chair is usually more upright and stable than a lounge chair.

Purpose

Support upright sitting
Improve sit-to-stand transfers
Provide a firmer alternative to a lounge chair
Support meals, reading, television and social activity
Improve foot and arm support
Reduce excessive sinking into soft seating
Support carers during transfers
Allow adjustment to suit the person’s measurements

Who May Benefit

A day chair may suit a person who:

Has difficulty standing from a low or soft chair
Requires a firmer seat
Needs reliable armrests for transfers
Has reduced lower-limb strength
Has reduced endurance
Needs a predictable upright sitting position
Requires adjustable seat height or depth
Needs a chair for meals or daytime activities
Can maintain sitting safely without powered positioning
Does not require complex tilt, recline or pressure management

When It May Not Be Suitable

A standard day chair may not be suitable when the person:

Requires powered lift assistance
Cannot maintain an upright sitting position
Requires tilt-in-space
Requires complex lateral or head support
Has high pressure-injury risk not addressed by the chair and cushion
Requires hoist access that the frame does not allow
Slides forward repeatedly
Cannot safely use the armrests
Needs frequent recline
Has severe pain in upright sitting
Requires a custom seating system

Consider:

[[Electric Recline Lift Chair]]
[[Wheelchairs]]
[[Cushions]]
Specialist seating

High Back vs Low Back

High-Back Day Chair

!|300

A high-back chair supports more of the trunk and may extend to the shoulders or head, depending on the model.

Benefits

Greater trunk support
More suitable for reduced endurance
Supports resting
May reduce fatigue during prolonged sitting
Can provide clearer postural boundaries
May suit people who lean backwards
Often feels more secure

Limitations

May restrict shoulder movement
May encourage passive sitting
Can make reaching behind difficult
May be warmer
May not fit under some tables
Can interfere with carer access
A poorly shaped high back may push the head forward
May be harder to transport

Consider a High Back When

The person has reduced trunk endurance
The person needs upper-back support
Sitting duration is prolonged
The person tires in a low-back chair
The person needs a more supported resting position
The person has mild posterior or lateral instability
Head and shoulder position remain comfortable during trial

Low-Back Day Chair

!|300

A low-back chair usually supports the pelvis and lower trunk while leaving the upper trunk and shoulders freer.

Benefits

Allows more shoulder movement
Supports active upright sitting
May be easier for dining and table activities
Often lighter
Usually easier to move and store
Better carer access around the upper trunk
May suit users with good trunk control

Limitations

Less support during fatigue
Not suitable for poor trunk control
May increase effort during prolonged sitting
Limited support if the person leans backwards or sideways
May not provide a comfortable resting position

Consider a Low Back When

Trunk control is good
The person mainly uses the chair for meals or activities
Shoulder movement is important
Sitting periods are shorter
The person does not require upper-back support
A high back restricts function or causes poor head posture

High Back vs Low Back Comparison

| Feature | High back | Low back |

|---|---|---|

| Trunk support | Greater | Lower |

| Resting support | Better | Limited |

| Shoulder movement | More restricted | Freer |

| Dining and table access | May be less convenient | Often better |

| Carer access | Lower | Better |

| Transport and storage | Usually larger | Usually easier |

| Best suited to | Reduced endurance or trunk support needs | Good trunk control and active sitting |

| Main risk | Passive posture or head pushed forward | Fatigue or loss of balance |

How to Choose Between High and Low Back

Choose High Back When

The person cannot sustain upright trunk posture
The person fatigues during sitting
The chair is used for long periods
A low back causes leaning or discomfort
The person needs more rest support

Choose Low Back When

The person has good sitting balance
The main activity is dining or table work
Upper-limb movement must remain free
The person uses the chair for shorter periods
A high back restricts shoulder or head position

Trial both when the person’s needs are unclear.

Day Chair vs Electric Lift Chair

| Feature | Day chair | Electric lift chair |

|---|---|---|

| Transfer assistance | Height, firmness and armrests | Powered lift |

| Recline | Usually fixed | Powered |

| Leg elevation | Separate stool | Built-in |

| Power required | No | Yes |

| Seat stability | Usually firm and predictable | Changes with mechanism |

| Space required | Lower | Higher |

| Cost | Lower | Higher |

| Control demand | None | Handset |

| Main use | Upright daytime sitting | Assisted transfers and adjustable rest |

Choose a Day Chair When

Correct height and armrests allow safe standing
Upright sitting is the main goal
Recline is not required
A simple stable chair meets the need
Power and cord risks should be avoided
Active sit-to-stand should be maintained

Choose a Lift Chair When

A fitted day chair remains insufficient for transfers
Powered assistance is clinically required
Recline or leg elevation is required
The person can use the controls safely

Day Chair vs Lounge Chair

A lounge chair may be:

Too low
Too soft
Too deep
Difficult to stand from
Poorly supportive
Difficult to clean

A day chair may provide:

Firmer support
Adjustable height
More useful armrests
More upright posture
Easier transfers
Easier cleaning

Day Chair vs Dining Chair

A day chair often provides:

Larger armrests
More padding
Height adjustment
More back support
Greater stability

A dining chair may be more suitable when:

Table access is the main need
The person has good transfers
A standard chair fits correctly
The day chair armrests prevent close table access

Consider a specialised dining chair when close table positioning is difficult.

Revolution Chair

!|300

The Revolution Chair is designed to assist access to a dining table.

It uses a swivel-slide mechanism:

The seat swivels to allow access
The seat slides toward the table
The chair legs remain fixed

May Suit

Difficulty moving a chair toward a table
Carer strain from pushing or “hipping” a chair
A person who can safely transfer onto a rotating seat
A person requiring closer table access

Benefits

Reduces the need to drag the whole chair
Chair base remains stable
May improve dining access
Available in height-adjustable and fixed-height versions
Wipe-clean upholstery

Risks and Considerations

Confirm the swivel locks or controls are understood
Assess rotational balance
Check transfer method
Ensure feet and clothing are clear
Confirm table clearance
Check the user can move the mechanism safely
Assess cognitive ability
Do not assume it replaces a transfer aid

How to Choose a Day Chair

Person

Assess:

Height
Weight
Hip width
Thigh length
Lower-leg length
Sitting balance
Trunk control
Head control
Upper-limb function
Grip
Lower-limb strength
Transfers
Pain
Fatigue
Skin integrity
Pressure risk
Cognition
Vision
Continence
Ability to reposition

Activity

Assess:

Meals
Reading
Television
Social activities
Resting
Personal care
Duration of sitting
Frequency of transfers
Need for a table
Need for a footstool
Carer assistance

Environment

Assess:

Available space
Floor surface
Table height
Chair position
Walking-aid placement
Carer access
Doorways
Heating and direct sunlight
Trip hazards
Cleaning requirements
Transport and storage

Fitting the Chair

Seat Width

Measure the widest part of the hips or thighs.

The seat should:

Allow comfortable clearance
Avoid compression
Allow access to armrests
Support the pelvis centrally
Fit any prescribed cushion

Too Narrow

Pressure at hips or thighs
Difficult transfers
Skin risk
Restricted clothing
Armrests may press into the body

Too Wide

Reduced side support
Leaning
Difficulty reaching armrests
Poor transfer mechanics
Cushion movement

Redgum’s Katie Plus high-back model is an example with a 530 mm width between armrests. Wider does not automatically mean suitable.

Seat Depth

Measure from the back of the pelvis to the back of the knee.

Allow clearance behind the knees.

Too Deep

Person sits forward
Reduced back support
Pressure behind the knees
Sliding
Posterior pelvic tilt

Too Shallow

Reduced thigh support
Increased pelvic pressure
Reduced stability

Aidacare notes that some day chairs allow seat-depth adjustment. The Redgum Katie chairs also offer adjustable seat depth.

Seat Height

The height should allow:

Feet to rest flat
Hips and knees to be positioned appropriately
Safe sit-to-stand
The person to reach the armrests
The chair to fit the table when required

Too Low

Increased effort to stand
Deep hip and knee flexion
Posterior pelvic tilt
Carer lifting

Too High

Feet unsupported
Pressure behind thighs
Sliding
Unsafe standing

Do not use a general height range without checking the person. Fit should be based on lower-leg length, footwear, cushion height and transfer ability.

Backrest

Check:

Height
Shape
Lumbar support
Thoracic support
Shoulder clearance
Head position
Backrest angle
Comfort during activity

Redgum’s Katie high-back chair includes a contoured padded backrest and adjustable seat depth and height. The low-back version provides lower back support with freer upper-body movement.

Armrests

Armrests should:

Be reachable
Support the forearms
Assist transfers
Allow relaxed shoulders
Avoid pressure on the arms
Fit under or beside the table where required

Too High

Shoulder elevation
Neck discomfort
Poor posture

Too Low

Leaning
Reduced transfer assistance
Poor upper-limb support

Seat Angle

Some chairs allow seat-angle adjustment.

A slight anterior angle may assist standing for some people.

Risks include:

Sliding
Reduced pelvic stability
Increased pressure
Feeling pushed forward

A posterior angle may improve stability but can make standing harder.

Foot Support

Feet should be supported by:

The floor
A prescribed footstool
Another stable support

A footstool should:

Be height appropriate
Have a stable base
Avoid creating a trip hazard
Support both legs
Be positioned before use

The Redgum Katie range has an adjustable padded footstool with height and angle adjustment.

Upholstery

Vinyl

Benefits:

Easy to clean
Suitable for continence management
Durable
Common in clinical settings

Limitations:

Can feel hot
May become slippery
Damage can expose foam
Reduced breathability

Fabric

Benefits:

More breathable
Domestic appearance
May reduce sliding

Limitations:

Harder to clean
Absorbs moisture
Staining
Infection-control concerns

Safe Working Load

Confirm:

User weight is below the safe working load
Seat width remains suitable
Chair is stable
Accessories do not affect safety

Safe working load does not determine body fit.

Product Examples

Redgum Katie High-Back Day Chair

Features include:

Adjustable seat height
Adjustable seat depth
Contoured high backrest
Padded seat
Large padded armrests
Rear transport wheels
Folding backrest for storage
Vinyl upholstery

May Suit

Reduced trunk endurance
Need for a high supportive back
Adjustable transfer height
Prolonged upright sitting

Redgum Katie Low-Back Day Chair

Features include:

Adjustable seat height
Adjustable seat depth
Low padded backrest
Large padded armrests
Rear transport wheels
Vinyl upholstery

May Suit

Good trunk control
Dining and table tasks
Need for freer shoulder movement
Shorter sitting periods

Aidacare Day Chairs

Aidacare’s day-chair range includes models with:

High or low contoured backrests
Padded arms
Height-adjustable seats
Adjustable seat depth on selected chairs
Adjustable seat or backrest angle on selected chairs
Vinyl and selected fabric finishes

Confirm the exact model specifications before prescription.

Trial

The trial should include:

Sitting down
Standing up
Remaining seated during the intended activity
Reaching the armrests
Foot support
Back support
Table access
Use of a footstool
Repositioning
Carer assistance
Walking-aid access
Skin and comfort check after sitting

Trial Checklist

[ ] Seat width is suitable
[ ] Seat depth is suitable
[ ] Seat height supports transfers
[ ] Feet are supported
[ ] Armrests are reachable
[ ] Backrest supports posture
[ ] Head position is neutral
[ ] Person can sit back in the chair
[ ] Person can stand safely
[ ] Cushion fits if used
[ ] Table access is adequate
[ ] Walking aid is accessible
[ ] Carer has enough space
[ ] Chair is stable
[ ] Safe working load is suitable
[ ] Upholstery meets cleaning needs
[ ] Sitting tolerance is acceptable

Risks and Considerations

Falls During Transfers

Risk increases with:

Incorrect seat height
Chair movement
Poor foot placement
Armrests too low or unstable
Loose rugs
Walking aid out of reach
Person pushing through an unstable footstool

Sliding

Risk increases with:

Excessive seat depth
Sloping seat
Slippery vinyl
Poor pelvic support
Feet unsupported
Low backrest
Fatigue

Pressure Injury

A day chair is not automatically pressure redistributing.

Risk increases with:

Prolonged sitting
Reduced sensation
Incontinence
Poor posture
Inability to reposition
Worn foam
Incorrect cushion

See:

[[Cushions]]
[[Pressure Injury Prevention and Management]]

Postural Risk

Poor fit may cause:

Posterior pelvic tilt
Leaning
Head forward
Shoulder elevation
Leg asymmetry
Foot instability

Footstool Risk

A footstool can:

Create a trip hazard
Move during use
Obstruct transfers
Increase falls risk if used to push up
Reduce circulation if too high

Transport Wheels

Rear wheels assist carers to move an unoccupied chair.

Do not:

Move the chair while occupied unless the manufacturer specifically permits it
Tilt the chair without training
Assume rear wheels function like wheelchair wheels

Carer Manual Handling

Assess:

Chair position
Space
Transfer method
Ability to adjust legs
Ability to move the unoccupied chair
Cleaning
Footstool handling

Do Not

Use a damaged chair
Exceed the safe working load
Stand on the chair
Push up from a footstool
Add loose cushions without reassessment
Place the chair on an unstable surface
Block the walking-aid path
Move an occupied chair unless approved
Use the chair as a restraint

Cleaning and Maintenance

Check:

Upholstery
Foam
Frame
Armrests
Adjustment pins
Leg height
Rear wheels
Fasteners
Rubber feet
Backrest
Welds
Footstool

Review Triggers

Falls or near misses
New difficulty standing
New pain
Sliding
Leaning
New pressure area
Weight change
Cognitive change
Increased sitting duration
Increased carer assistance
Chair damage
Adjustment mechanism failure
Change in table or room layout
New cushion
Functional decline

Client and Carer Instructions

Before Sitting

Check the chair is stable.
Keep the floor clear.
Place the walking aid within reach.
Move the footstool away during transfers.
Check the cushion and upholstery.

Sitting Down

Back up until the legs touch the seat.
Reach for both armrests.
Lower slowly.
Move the pelvis back.
Place both feet on the floor or foot support.

Standing Up

Move the footstool away.
Move forward on the seat.
Place both feet securely.
Push through the armrests.
Stand and stabilise.
Take hold of the walking aid.

Stop Using and Seek Review When

The chair moves
An adjustment pin is loose
The upholstery or frame is damaged
The person slides
Standing becomes unsafe
New pain or skin redness develops

Related Notes

[[Electric Recline Lift Chair]]
[[Cushions]]
[[Pressure Injury Prevention and Management]]
[[Walkers]]
[[Walking Frames]]
[[Home Safety Assessment]]

References

Aidacare. Day Chairs: https://www.aidacare.com.au/products/hospital-equipment/patient-chairs/day
Aidacare. Height Adjustable Chairs: https://shop.aidacare.com.au/collections/adjustable-height-chairs
Aidacare. Revolution Chair: https://www.aidacare.com.au/products/medical-therapeutic-chairs/assistive-chairs/revolution-chair/
Redgum Brand. Day Chairs: https://www.redgumbrand.com.au/product-category/furniture/day-chairs/
Redgum Brand. Katie High-Back Day Chair: https://www.redgumbrand.com.au/product/katie-high-back-chair/
Redgum Brand. Katie Low-Back Day Chair: https://www.redgumbrand.com.au/product/katie-low-back-day-chair-multi-adjustable/
Blackler A et al. Seating in aged care: physical fit, independence and comfort: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5758957/
Relevant manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures