Buying a Lift Chair at "Local Stores Near Me": Why Trying It In-Person Is Still a Wise Choice

When you type "lift chairs in store near me" into a search engine, what you’re looking for is more than just a chair—it’s peace of mind. A lift chair is not ordinary furniture; it’s tied to safety, health, and daily independence. For many families, this isn’t just a purchasing decision, but part of a care commitment. While online shopping offers convenience and price advantages, experiencing, testing, and consulting professionals in person at local stores remains one of the most reliable ways to buy a lift chair.

This article will explore why buying a lift chair at "local stores near me" still holds irreplaceable value, and provide practical advice to help you efficiently find trustworthy local suppliers.

Why Is "Trying It In-Store" So Important?

Whether a lift chair is suitable can’t be judged solely by size charts or product images. Everyone has different body types, health conditions, and home environments—and an ill-fitting chair can cause discomfort at best, or increase the risk of falls at worst.

Seat Depth is one of the key factors. If the seat is too deep, the back of your knees will be compressed, affecting blood circulation; if it’s too shallow, your thighs won’t get adequate support, making it easy to lose balance when standing up. Only by sitting down in person can you feel if it fits properly.

Armrest Height is equally important. Armrests that are too high will prevent you from using your arms for leverage, while those that are too low won’t provide enough support. Additionally, whether the backrest offers proper lumbar support directly impacts comfort during long sits and spinal health.

More importantly, you need to see and experience the lifting process firsthand: Is the chair stable? Does it move smoothly? Will it lurch forward or get stuck suddenly? These details can’t be fully conveyed through videos—only in-person testing can confirm them.

How to Find Reliable "Local Stores Near Me"?

When searching for "lift chairs in store near me," the following types of businesses are most worth focusing on:

1. Professional Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Providers

These stores specialize in durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, and lift chairs. They often collaborate with hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and their staff receive professional training to recommend suitable models based on users’ physical conditions.

Well-known brands include:

Motion Healthcare (a national chain with showrooms in most major cities)

Care Medical Equipment

Apria Healthcare (some locations offer retail sales)

These suppliers usually provide free assessments, delivery, installation, and even assistance with applying for Medicare Advantage, state Medicaid, or VA funding.

2. High-End Furniture Retailers

Stores like La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries offer some lines with genuine lifting functions (note the difference between "Power Recliner" and "Power Lift Chair"). Their advantages lie in attractive designs, a wide range of fabric options, and comfortable seating—ideal for families who value home style.

However, note that not all La-Z-Boy stores display all lift chair models; it’s recommended to call ahead to confirm.

3. Large Home Furnishing Stores

Stores such as Nebraska Furniture Mart (covering the Midwest) and Ashley HomeStore sometimes sell basic lift chair models. Prices may be lower, but their functions and warranties are usually not as comprehensive as professional brands, and sales staff often have limited knowledge of medical functions.

Checklist Before Visiting a Store

To make the most of your time at the store, it’s advisable to prepare the following in advance:

Measure the user’s physical data: Length from hips to the back of knees (for seat depth needs), height, and weight.

Note health conditions: Such as arthritis, history of stroke, or balance issues—this helps staff recommend suitable functions.

Assess home space: Measure the width of living room doorways and hallway turning radii to ensure the new chair can be moved in smoothly.

List core needs: Do you need heating? Zero-gravity mode? Heavyweight capacity? Backup battery?

Bring family members along: The actual user must test the chair in person, and caregivers can help observe whether the lifting process is safe.

Additional Advantages of Buying In-Store

Beyond the in-person testing experience, local stores offer several services that online shopping can hardly match:

Instant answers to questions: You can ask in detail about warranty terms, replacement parts, and cleaning methods on the spot.

Quick after-sales response: If the motor malfunctions, professional DME providers usually offer on-site repairs.

Insurance and funding support: Certified suppliers can assist with processing doctor’s prescriptions, occupational therapist (OT) assessments, and insurance reimbursement documents.

Old chair recycling or trade-in: Some stores offer trade-in services to reduce the cost of upgrading.

What If There Are No Professional Stores Nearby?

For families living in small towns or rural areas, the nearest lift chair store may be far away. In this case, consider the following strategies:

Call DME providers in regional hub cities (such as state capitals or medical centers) and ask if they offer remote consultations + delivery services.

Request video call demonstrations: Some businesses are willing to show functions and guide measurements via FaceTime or Zoom.

Combine online research with limited in-person visits: First narrow down 2–3 models online, then make a special trip to test and purchase them in one visit.

Conclusion: Spend an Hour Testing, Gain Years of Peace of Mind

Behind the search for "lift chairs in store near me" is the desire of countless families to protect safety and dignity. While online shopping is fast, a lift chair isn’t a product you can "return several times before deciding." One in-person test can help you avoid months of discomfort, extra repair costs, or even a preventable fall.