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PARKINSON’S AND EVERYDAY LIFE

Riser recliner chair for Parkinson’s: rising, resting and transfers

A riser recliner chair for Parkinson’s should accompany the movements of the day: standing up, sitting back down, reading, resting and transferring. Bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and balance difficulties can affect each of these in different ways. A well-proportioned seat, supports within reach and adjustments that are easy to understand help in choosing a place that fits the habits of the person.

Sollevita is a riser recliner chair with integrated care features, made in Italy by La Castellana. It brings together sit-to-stand assistance, resting positions and functions for daily care. It offers support with movements and comfort, without replacing therapy or rehabilitation for Parkinson’s.

Sollevita is also designed for people who walk and keep their independence. A welcoming seat, an adjustable headrest and the ability to change position are choices about everyday wellbeing, not reserved for the most demanding situations. The rise function and the care features are used as and when needed, respecting what the person wants to carry on doing.

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How Sollevita can help in everyday life

The choice starts from your day: which transition needs a hand, and at which moment would you like to be more comfortable? Sollevita brings several answers together in one chair, to be chosen with the Sollevita Team.

  • Rise function — For standing up and sitting back down. It progressively accompanies the move towards standing and, through the reverse movement, the return to sitting, keeping the supports and the assistance that are needed.
  • Adjustments for resting — For changing position and supports. Backrest, footrest, the powered headrest Push Head and tilt-in-space make it possible to adapt the position to the moment of the day and to individual needs.
  • Handset — For managing the adjustments simply. Intuitive buttons in a logical layout help in recognising the functions; the corded or wireless version is chosen with the Sollevita Team.
  • Vertical height adjustment and side access — For preparing some transfers. Adjustable height, the lie-flat position and the removable side panel can make it easier to come alongside the bed or the wheelchair, following the procedures already set out for the person.

Measurements, supports and ways of using the chair are assessed together with the habits of the person, the assistance required and the equipment already in use.

Why standing up and sitting back down can become difficult

Standing up from a chair involves feet, pelvis, trunk and legs in a coordinated sequence. In Parkinson’s, bradykinesia can slow down the start of it, while rigidity can make the shifts of the body harder. The person may know exactly what they want to do but need more time to begin or to coordinate the movement. How it actually works should be assessed with whoever follows their mobility, not inferred from a sequence that is the same for everyone.

A seat that is very low, very deep or excessively soft can add an obstacle. A riser recliner chair for Parkinson’s should offer a stable base, armrests within reach and measurements that suit the body. Sollevita is available with a seat 52 or 63 cm wide and three depths; the rise function progressively guides the pelvis upwards and forwards and can be stopped along the way. Its use should be coordinated with the supports and the assistance that are already in place.

Sitting back down deserves attention too. Some people reach standing but, in the last few centimetres of the descent, lose control and land abruptly. Used in reverse, the rise function can accompany the return towards the seat. It does not replace balance and motor ability, and it does not detect a fall: the movement has to be built into the appropriate way of assisting.

Freezing: being on your feet is not the same as being ready to walk

Freezing of gait is a temporary, involuntary block of movement. People often describe it as if their feet were glued to the floor. It can appear when starting the first step, during a turn, near a doorway, when approaching a destination or in moments of tension. It does not affect everyone with Parkinson’s. For those who experience it, a successful rise does not automatically solve the start of walking.

Sollevita can bring the person towards standing, but the first step needs to be prepared with the time it requires. A carer should not operate the function and then immediately push or pull the person forwards. Where freezing is frequent, a physiotherapist experienced in Parkinson’s can suggest cueing strategies, visual or rhythmic references and ways of starting movement that suit the person better.

The chair should therefore be read as one part of the sequence: it offers a stable starting point and can reduce the difficulty of rising, but it does not treat freezing. This distinction helps the family to understand that standing up and starting to walk are two connected activities, not the same one.

ON and OFF periods: mobility changes through the day

The terms ON and OFF describe the motor fluctuations linked to the effect of medication. In ON periods mobility can be smoother; in OFF periods the effect of the medication decreases and slowness, rigidity, small steps, fatigue or freezing can return. Where they exist, these differences should be described precisely during the consultation, because they affect how the chair will be used.

A person may need little assistance at one moment of the day and considerably more at another: there is no morning-evening rule that holds for everyone. They may want a more upright seat during a conversation and a different position for resting. The assessment should therefore consider both the better moments and the harder ones, rather than basing the choice on a single particularly favourable moment.

Bring differences you have already observed to the consultation, without changing doses or timing of medication in order to try the chair. The neurologist assesses the fluctuations; the Sollevita Team explains how to use the adjustments within the guidance already received.

Dizziness or a feeling of faintness on standing should be distinguished from rigidity and freezing. In Parkinson’s, orthostatic hypotension can occur, that is a drop in blood pressure when moving from sitting or lying to standing. The progressive movement of the chair does not treat the cause and does not guarantee that it will be avoided: light-headedness, blurred vision, unsteadiness or fainting should be reported to the doctor.

A chair for Parkinson’s needs stability, the right measurements and supports

The quality of a seat is not the same as how soft it feels in the first minute. A chair that gives way too much can let the pelvis sink and make it harder to prepare the rise. A seat that is too deep can force the person to shuffle a long way forward before their feet reach the floor; a seat that is too high can leave the feet without adequate support. Width, depth, height and the position of the armrests therefore need to be considered together.

Sollevita uses a three-layer seat construction, with a sprung seat base, individually pocketed springs and an upper comfort layer. The high backrest supports the whole length of the back, while the powered headrest Push Head adjusts the support for head and neck at different angles. Removable outer and underlying covers, removable components and the modular construction also make a chair for Parkinson’s easier to manage over time.

The armrests are useful references for the hands when preparing the rise and returning to the seat. They must, however, be within reach and well proportioned. A stable support can help in organising the movement; it should not become the point from which a carer pulls the person or obliges them to move before they are ready.

The three depths are obtained through the positioning of the backrest. Consider the supports already in use as well: Push Head adjusts the support for the head, but it does not automatically replace a specific postural support. If the person tends to lean or loses their supports, choosing a narrower seat does not on its own answer that need.

Resting, Zero Gravity and the lie-flat position: choosing supports as positions change

In Parkinson’s the same person may want different positions through the day. The relax position adjusts backrest, footrest and Push Head for reading, watching television or resting. Tilt-in-space tilts seat and backrest together, keeping the angle between them. Backrest recline, on the other hand, changes the angle between backrest and seat. These are different adjustments: moving the structure is not the same as repositioning a person who has lost their supports.

The Zero Gravity position combines tilt-in-space, backrest and footrest into a relaxed setting with legs and feet raised. It should be chosen according to comfort and individual guidance, without necessarily looking for the maximum angle. It is a resting position, not a treatment for rigidity, freezing or Parkinson’s.

The lie-flat position (180°) makes it possible to stretch out for a short nap or a break without automatically facing a transfer to the bed. This can be useful on more tiring days, but it does not mean that Sollevita replaces the bed for every person or for the whole night. The value lies in offering more alternatives within the same place.

Resting also includes the pleasure of picking up a conversation or a book again. Preparing the supports and keeping the handset close makes the return to sitting more comfortable, with the help planned where it is needed. A relaxing chair for Parkinson’s works alongside the movement activities agreed with the professionals involved.

Bed-to-chair transfers: when the rise function alone is not enough

When motor difficulties also affect transfers, the rise function alone may not answer the whole need. Turning in bed, sitting up on the edge, organising the feet and reaching the chair can take more time or call for a carer to step in. To compare products, look at the construction and functional differences of Sollevita: side access, adjustable height and the flat surface are features to check one by one.

Sollevita coordinates the lie-flat position (180°), the vertical height adjustment of the whole chair and the fully removable side panel. Vertical height adjustment raises or lowers the whole structure while the person stays seated or lying down: it should not be confused with the rise function. The lie-flat transfer configuration makes it possible to bring the chair alongside the bed, set the height and free up the access side, preparing the conditions for some bed-to-chair and chair-to-bed transfers.

The benefit lies in reducing height differences and physical barriers, not in promising that every person can be moved without other equipment. Where the person does not bear weight, has very limited trunk control or already uses a sling and a patient hoist, those tools remain necessary. Sollevita can improve the geometry of the move, but the technique has to be defined around the person and their routine.

Wheelchair, carers and moving around the home

At some stages a person may walk short distances but use a wheelchair at the harder moments. A fixed armrest can then get in the way of a lateral transfer. On Sollevita the whole side panel can be removed and the height of the seat can be adjusted, so wheelchair and chair can be brought together more sensibly. The chair prepares the space; it does not decide on its own which side or which technique to use.

To come closer to a table, only the upper part of the armrest is taken off: that is not the same operation as removing the whole side panel for a transfer. Table, supports and the position of the person should be checked together, keeping the supports that the activity requires.

Vertical height adjustment brings the whole chair to a more comfortable height for the carer during dressing, adjusting clothing, shaving and hair care or compatible massage. The removable side panel makes it easier to come alongside. This allows some activities to be organised with less bending and less reaching, while keeping the planned ways of helping.

The sturdy wheeled base makes it possible to accompany the person from one room of the home to another while they stay seated, including on longer routes. It is useful for joining a conversation in the living room or reaching another room without adding a change of seat just to move. Use remains indoors and accompanied, along routes compatible with the instructions. The battery powers the adjustments, not the drive of the wheels.

An intuitive handset and movements at the pace of the person

Sollevita handsets are designed for simple use, with intuitive buttons in a logical layout. Corded and wireless versions are available: together with the Sollevita Team you can choose the one that suits the configuration, the hand being used and the habits of the person.

Where tremor or slowness affect the use of the hand, the choice of the control and where to place it are agreed calmly. The Sollevita Team shows the most useful adjustments and, where needed, involves the carer. Simple buttons make use easier; any help required is adapted to the person, without attributing to the handset any effect on tremor.

After rising, the person may need time and support before being ready to walk, with no fixed waiting time that holds for everyone. A walking frame, where used, should already be in the intended position, and the carer should follow the usual sequence. The fact that the chair has completed its movement does not mean the person has already recovered balance and the initiative to move.

Backrest, tilt-in-space and footrest adjustments follow the pace of the person. The explanation covers how to start and stop them, keeping moving parts clear. Tutorials and support by video call make it possible to go over the steps again after delivery too.

The eight Sollevita functions, already integrated

Sollevita is a single complete model: the eight main functions are part of the same design. The drive system includes between 5 and 8 independent motors, depending on the user weight rating. This combination makes it possible to assess, in one chair, help with standing up and sitting down, resting positions and support for care activities.

  • Rise function — Progressively accompanies the move towards standing and, in reverse, the return to sitting.
  • Relax — Adjusts backrest and footrest to choose a position for reading, television or a break, including intermediate positions.
  • Powered headrest Push Head — Adjusts the support for head and neck in the different positions.
  • Tilt-in-space — Tilts seat and backrest together, keeping the chosen angle between the two parts.
  • Zero Gravity — Combines tilt-in-space, backrest and footrest into a relaxed setting with legs and feet raised.
  • Lie-flat position (180°) — Brings the chair into a flat position for a break or a rest, where appropriate for the person.
  • Vertical height adjustment — Raises or lowers the whole structure with the person seated or lying down, setting the height for care or for coming alongside other surfaces.
  • Lie-flat transfer configuration — Combines flat surface, vertical height adjustment and removed side panel to prepare the approach to the bed and some transfers.

The design also includes the three-layer seat construction, the high backrest, the footrest extension, the removable upper armrest sections and the fully removable side panel. These are elements to assess together with the measurements, because adjustments have to translate into supports that can actually be used and access that is genuinely easier.

The lithium battery powers the motors; the wheeled base allows accompanied moves inside the home with the person on board. Removable outer and underlying covers and the modular construction make it easier to manage upholstery and components over time, following the product instructions.

See functions, measurements and price of Sollevita to look further into the configuration of the product.

When Sollevita works alongside physiotherapy and other equipment

Sollevita brings comfort, adjustments for resting and help with daily activities together in one place. That is an advantage when needs overlap: reading with the head supported, sitting back down gradually or receiving assistance during a transfer. Its completeness keeps the different functions available, to be used when they are needed.

The chair does not replace physiotherapy, occupational therapy, a walking frame, a wheelchair, a care bed or a patient hoist where these are necessary. It has to fit correctly into the system of equipment and the guidance already defined for the person. Strategies for freezing, balance and the first step remain part of the rehabilitation pathway.

Everyday comfort matters too when Parkinson’s leaves many activities independent. Choosing a quality seat means making room for reading, conversation and rest with the supports you want. If mobility or the supports needed change over time, how the chair is used is reconsidered together with the professionals involved.

Continuity of care also counts when several family members take turns helping. Sollevita comes with a five-year commercial warranty on every element, according to the purchase documents, original spare parts and support from the Sollevita Team with tutorials and video calls. On the Warranty & Service page you will find cover and support arrangements: knowing the product well also helps whoever is helping.

What to tell the Sollevita Team before the consultation

Tell us which movements you would like to be more comfortable and when you need help. Differences you have already observed between ON and OFF periods, any freezing after rising and the way moves from the bed or the wheelchair happen are all useful. This information helps the Sollevita Team connect the functions with your day.

Height, weight, supports and the equipment you usually use complete the picture. We can also talk about which handset you prefer and who will use it, without turning the consultation into a long test of movements. You can start from the measurements available and photographs of the empty space.

The Sollevita Team looks after the technical side. Dizziness, falls or significant changes in mobility call instead for a conversation with a healthcare professional before any personal trial.

How the consultation works

3 steps to define the perfect Sollevita for you

Sollevita comes fully equipped for home care. Our job is to understand whether it can meet your needs and to guide you clearly before, during and after delivery.

1

Tell us about yourself

Tell us about your needs, or those of the person who will use Sollevita. Height, weight, hours spent in the chair, level of independence and daily needs help us understand how the product will be used every day.

2

Let's assess together whether Sollevita is right for you

The Sollevita Team listens to your needs, explains every function and assesses sizes, weight capacity and how the chair will be used. We explain precisely whether and how Sollevita can meet the needs of the person and their daily life.

3

Delivery and support

We arrange delivery and a complete explanation of the product, so that you get to know all of Sollevita’s functions and use them correctly. After purchase, the Sollevita Team remains your direct point of contact for warranty, spare parts, tutorials, video calls and technical support over time.

Next step

The right choice starts with a conversation

For such an important choice, talk to the people who make it. Write to us: you will get a reply directly from the Sollevita Team, not a call centre. Our consultants know the chair inside out, from its mechanisms to its adjustments, and they listen to you to offer clear explanations, technical expertise and personalised advice.

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  • Direct contact with the manufacturer

Write to the Sollevita Team

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers on rising, supports and mobility in Parkinson’s

In Parkinson’s, standing up, starting to walk and changing position can each call for different attention. These answers separate the role of the chair from the strategies defined in the rehabilitation pathway.

What matters is the transitions that become difficult: preparing the rise, turning, changing position or transferring from the bed. Rigidity, slowness and balance can each affect these differently. Sollevita makes it possible to assess a well-proportioned seat, armrests within reach and progressive movements together. The aim is not to use as many functions as possible, but to understand which ones will accompany the person through the day, taking into account the equipment and the help already needed.

The rise function gradually guides the pelvis upwards and forwards, and the movement can be stopped at the point required. It can help when starting or coordinating the rise takes more time. It should not, however, impose a pace faster than the person’s own. Preparing the supports, balance and the usual assistance remain important even after the chair has completed its movement.

No. The rise function helps the move from sitting to standing; freezing concerns a block in starting or continuing to walk. Managing to stand up does not mean being ready to set off. The person needs the time and the support planned to organise the first step. Specific strategies should be agreed with the physiotherapist, without pushing or pulling the person.

The adjustments can offer different help with activities, but a chair position is not assigned to each ON or OFF phase. Measurements, supports and assistance still have to be assessed around the person. Backrest and footrest adjust separately, while tilt-in-space tilts seat and backrest together, keeping the angle between them. The assessment considers both the better moments and the difficult ones.

Armrests within reach, a suitable depth and stable support for the back all help in organising the movement. The rise function, used in reverse, can accompany the descent instead of leaving all the control to the last few centimetres. Sollevita offers two seat widths and three depths; measurements should be considered together with foot support. The chair does not replace balance or the assistance the person requires.

Sollevita offers corded and wireless handsets, designed with intuitive buttons in a logical layout. The Sollevita Team helps you choose the control and place it conveniently, taking into account the hand being used and any help required. The explanation covers the adjustments you will really use; the handset does not treat tremor.

When moving from the bed needs more help, Sollevita can combine the flat surface, vertical height adjustment and the removable side panel. The aim is to reduce some height differences and free up the side so that surfaces can be brought closer. This lie-flat transfer configuration works alongside the technique already defined; it does not decide how to support the person. If the transfer requires a patient hoist or a sling, those are not replaced by the rise function.

Yes. Seat comfort, adjustable head support and resting positions also answer the needs of people who keep their independence. The rise function adds help for the transitions where it is needed, without having to be used every time. The choice does not depend only on the severity of the condition, but on habits and on the everyday wellbeing you want.

Practical guides

Useful guides for this situation

Parkinson’s freezing after standing up: how to prepare for the first step

Parkinson’s freezing after standing up: how to prepare for the first step

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