- Daily care need first; diagnosis or product category second.
- Fit is checked before quote or final configuration.
- Sollevita does not replace medical or professional assessment.
Set the chair up around the stronger side
After a stroke, one side often does more of the work, and most people find it easier to move towards their stronger side. Occupational therapists usually teach transfers in that direction, so position the chair to make that the natural way in and out. On a Sollevita chair the armrests lift out on either side, so you can open whichever side the transfer works from. Once you have arranged it, ask the OT to confirm the setup before it becomes the daily routine.
Make standing a smaller effort
Standing is far easier when the seat is already higher, because there is less distance to travel and less to push against. Raise the seat first using the Hi-Lo function so the person starts closer to standing height. Then check the armrest on the stronger side is firmly seated, since that is the arm they will push from. Keep the pace unhurried and let them do as much of the movement as they safely can.
Give the weaker side somewhere to rest
If the person tends to slip or lean towards their weaker side, a slight tilt on the seat helps settle them back towards the centre rather than drifting to one edge. Supportive armrests on both sides give the weaker arm somewhere to rest instead of hanging unsupported. If the leaning carries on, ask the physiotherapist or OT about positioning supports rather than adjusting things on your own.
Quick daily checks
- The transfer side is clear and the armrest is lifted out ready.
- The push-from armrest on the stronger side is locked firmly in place.
- The seat is raised before any stand, not after.
- Feet are flat and the floor around the chair is uncluttered.
Plan the space around the transfer
A good transfer needs room. Leave clear floor on the stronger side so there is space to step and turn, and keep a walking aid or wheelchair parked exactly where it will be needed. Measure the route from the chair to the bathroom or bed, and make sure the chair has room to rise or recline without meeting a wall or a side table.
When a simpler chair is enough
Not everyone needs every feature. If the person transfers comfortably and only one side needs a little extra support, a straightforward rise-and-recline chair with removable armrests may do the job well. The care team knows the day-to-day picture best, so let their judgement guide how much adjustability is genuinely useful rather than paying for functions that will sit unused.
Get the fit checked before you commit
Seating after a stroke is easier to get right with a second pair of eyes. Sollevita offers a free fit check where we look at measurements, transfer direction and armrest setup with you before any quote, so the chair matches how the person actually moves at home. Book that first, and bring the OT’s notes if you have them.