Chair adaptation with tray

P.Greenslade
Exeter
00009887
Complete
0 comments

A gentleman with shorter arms and legs needed a chair that was standard width but with a seat height of 25cm and a seat depth of 30cm and armrest height of 60cm with sturdy hand grips extending beyond the front of the seat, for standing independently. He also needed a supportive back and head rest for pain management and posture support and a tray for drinks and snacks that was within reach when sitting. He was referred by his community OT. No standard chairs meet his needs. His previous long-term seating has lead to issues with joint pain, deteriorating posture and reduced mobility. A lower seat height would rule out standard over chair tables.

The Challenge

Rick and Philippa worked together on this solution, sourcing a recycled chair for adaptation, with legs cut down to achieve the right seat height. Seat depth was reduced by fitting a velcro back cover and a selection of velcro fixed cushions that could be adjusted for back and head support. Rick extended the armrests with wooden brackets and secured a height adjustable walking stick to each armrest front, using steel tape. The brackets were then upholstered to cover hard surfaces and a pair of armrest cushions were added to increase the height of the existing armrests to support arms and shoulders when resting.

Rick then constructed a wooden tray using marine plywood, treated with food safe oil. He added a raised edge to hold drinks and snacks in place. A wooden bracket holds the tray to either walking stick shaft and is secured with wing nuts. The tray can be swivelled in and out of position by moving the tray or moving the stick handle and can be removed completely using the wing nuts.

The solution

The chair was tried and then after some minor alterations it was a good fit. The gentleman and his OT were very pleased with both the chair and the tray.

It will help him to maintain his independence at home and support good posture and pain management.