Does Gardner White Sell Lift Chairs? Facts and Advice for Buying Lift Chairs for Seniors

When families start looking for safe, comfortable seating for elderly parents or loved ones with limited mobility, they often turn to the well-known furniture retailer Gardner White. Headquartered in Michigan with dozens of stores across the Midwest, this home furnishings chain is trusted by local consumers for its spacious showrooms and diverse range of sofas and accent chairs. Many people naturally search for "lift chairs Gardner White" or "Gardner White lift recliners for elderly," hoping to find functional yet aesthetically pleasing lift chairs in a familiar furniture store.

However, the reality may not match these expectations. This article will objectively analyze whether Gardner White sells genuine medical-grade lift chairs and provide more reliable purchasing advice tailored to seniors’ needs.

Gardner White Mainly Sells "Power Recliners," Not Professional "Lift Chairs"

As of 2025, Gardner White’s core product line focuses on home sofas, fabric/leather accent chairs, and power recliners. Most of the "Lift Recliner" or "Rise and Recline" models displayed on its official website and in stores fall into the category of high-end power recliners, rather than true lift chairs with medical assistive functions.

⚠️ Key Differences:

Power Recliner: Adjusts the backrest and footrest for "more comfortable reclining," but cannot lift the user into a standing position.

True Lift Chair: Uses a forward tilt lift mechanism to actively assist the user in smoothly standing up from a seated position—a critical function for seniors recovering from surgery, living with arthritis, or experiencing muscle weakness.

While some Gardner White showrooms may display chairs labeled "Lift," these products typically only offer minor forward tilting or basic standing assistance. They lack sufficient lifting power and have limited range of motion, failing to meet the safety needs of individuals with genuine mobility restrictions.

Why Doesn’t Gardner White Prioritize Medical-Grade Lift Chairs?

There are several practical reasons:

1. Product Positioning Differences

Gardner White is a home furnishings retailer, not a certified Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider. Its strengths lie in design, comfort, and living room aesthetics, rather than medical functionality.

2. Lack of Professional Assessment and Customization Services

True lift chairs need to be matched to the user’s height, weight, and health conditions. Gardner White staff generally do not possess the professional knowledge of occupational therapists or DME consultants.

3. Limited After-Sales and Warranty Support

If a medical lift chair experiences motor failures or control system issues, professional technical support is required. Gardner White’s after-sales services primarily cover furniture structures, not electric medical equipment.

If You See "Lift Recliners" at Gardner White, Be Sure to Verify These Points

If you encounter models labeled "Lift Function" or "Assisted Standing" in stores, strictly confirm the following:

✅ Does it explicitly state that it "assists standing" or "helps the user stand up"?✅ Is there a video of the full lifting process or an on-site demonstration? (Note: Only tilting the backrest ≠ lifting assistance)✅ Is the brand part of the Golden Technologies, Pride Mobility, or La-Z-Boy Lift series?✅ Does it include a battery backup for power outages and a manual release function?

If the answer to any of the above questions is "No," it is likely just a high-end power recliner without genuine standing assistance capabilities. For seniors with arthritis, post-stroke symptoms, or balance disorders, mistakenly purchasing such products may pose safety risks.

Better Channels for Buying Lift Chairs for Seniors (Especially in Michigan and the Midwest)

If you live in areas covered by Gardner White (e.g., Michigan, Ohio, Indiana) and truly need to buy a lift chair for a senior, prioritize the following professional medical equipment suppliers:

1. Certified Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Providers

Motion Healthcare (with locations in Detroit, Grand Rapids, etc.)

Apria Healthcare

Care Medical Equipment

Medline Home Delivery

These companies offer:

Free in-home assessments and trial sittings

Genuine lift chairs from multiple brands (e.g., Golden, Pride)

Assistance with applying for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or VA funding

Delivery, installation, training, and warranty services

2. Official La-Z-Boy Stores

Some independently operated La-Z-Boy stores (not authorized by Gardner White) sell La-Z-Boy Lift Recliners with genuine lifting functions. These chairs feature modern designs, comfortable seating, and reliable functionality.

3. Recommendations from Hospitals or Rehabilitation Centers

Discharge planners typically provide lists of cooperating DME suppliers to ensure equipment is in place before the user returns home.

Key Considerations When Buying Lift Chairs for Seniors

Regardless of the channel, be sure to confirm the following:

Authentic Lifting Function: It should be able to lift the user into a near-standing position.

Proper Sizing: Seat depth and height should match the senior’s body type (shorter individuals need Petite models).

Safety Features: Battery backup, quiet motor, and non-slip footrests.

Local After-Sales Support: Ensure quick response in case of malfunctions.

Conclusion: Caring for Seniors Starts with Choosing the Right Chair

Gardner White is an excellent home furnishings retailer, offering comfortable sofas and stylish living room solutions. However, when it comes to lift chairs, convenience should not take precedence over functionality and safety. For seniors, a chair that cannot truly help them stand up is meaningless, no matter how attractive it is.

Genuine care begins with a clear understanding of needs and is fulfilled through careful product selection.

If you are looking for a lift chair for your parents, take the time to contact professional medical equipment suppliers, test the chairs in person, and witness the full lifting process. Because the chair supports not just the body, but also dignity, independence, and peace of mind.

Can’t find a suitable lift chair at Gardner White? That’s okay—because the most reliable choices are never in the most prominent advertisements, but in the decision you make after careful verification.