Lift Chairs in Memphis, TN: Providing Safe, Comfortable, and Independent In-Home Support for Seniors in the Blues City

Nestled along the Mississippi River and renowned for its blues music, barbecue culture, and strong community spirit, Memphis, Tennessee, is not only an economic and medical hub in southwestern Tennessee but also an ideal destination for a growing number of retirees seeking to enjoy their golden years. As the proportion of residents aged 65 and above continues to rise—particularly in suburbs like East Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett—many families are facing a common challenge: How can elderly relatives, post-surgery recoverers, or family members with mobility issues live safely and with dignity in the familiarity of their own homes?

One answer lies in a reliably functional and comfortably designed lift chair. In Memphis’ traditional homes, riverfront apartments, and even retirement communities across Shelby County, these smart seating solutions have become key tools for enabling "Aging in Place"—they not only help users stand up easily but also safeguard their independence, safety, and dignity.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the practical value of lift chairs in Memphis, local purchasing and rental channels, government funding options, and tips for selection.

What Is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair is a comfortable armchair equipped with an electric lifting system. Controlled by a simple remote, the chair can smoothly raise the user from a sitting position to a near-standing posture or gently lower them into a seated position. This function is particularly crucial for individuals with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, post-stroke sequelae, those recovering from hip/knee replacement surgery, or older adults who struggle to stand due to age-related muscle weakness.

Modern lift chairs balance functionality with home aesthetics, often upholstered in durable fabric, faux leather, or high-performance textiles. Some high-end models also support back reclining, footrest extension, zero-gravity mode, and even heating and massage functions—meeting health needs while blending seamlessly with the Southern traditional, modern, or rural-style interiors common in Memphis.

Why Do Memphis Families Have a Special Need for Lift Chairs?

While Memphis boasts tight-knit communities and abundant medical resources (including major healthcare systems like Baptist Memorial and Methodist University Hospital), elderly individuals with mobility issues still face unique challenges in daily life:

Hot, humid summers worsen joint pain and fatigue, while occasional cold snaps in winter cause morning stiffness.

Many older homes feature low-profile sofas or vintage furniture that lack adequate support for standing up.

Adult children often live in Nashville, Little Rock, or other out-of-town locations, making round-the-clock care unavailable.

Falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalization for adults aged 65 and above in Tennessee: According to data from the Tennessee Department of Health, hundreds of seniors in Shelby County suffer serious injuries from in-home falls each year.

Lift chairs are an ideal solution to these pain points. They allow users to transition safely and confidently between sitting and standing without relying on others, significantly reducing the risk of accidents while enhancing a sense of psychological independence.

Additionally, for patients recently discharged from Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, Regional One Health, or St. Francis Hospital, occupational therapists often recommend equipping homes with lift chairs to support recovery.

Local Purchasing and Rental Channels in Memphis

1. Professional Medical and Mobility Aid Suppliers

Motion Healthcare – Memphis (located on Poplar Ave)A national chain with a large showroom in Memphis, offering high-end lift chairs from brands such as Golden Technologies, Pride Mobility, and the La-Z-Boy Lift series. It provides free in-home assessments, test sits, delivery, installation, and short-term rental services (monthly rent approximately $65–$130). The team can assist with applications for Medicare Advantage, TennCare, or VA funding.

Care Medical Equipment – MemphisA long-standing local supplier specializing in home accessibility modifications, with services covering the entire Shelby County and surrounding areas.

Apria Healthcare – Memphis BranchOffers hospital-grade equipment rentals, often collaborating with discharge coordinators to quickly respond to urgent needs.

2. Large Furniture and Retail Stores

La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery – Memphis (Multiple Locations)With stores in East Memphis and Germantown, it provides a variety of electric lift chairs with genuine standing assistance functions. These chairs offer comfortable seating, sturdy frames, and are priced between $699–$1,499.

Nebraska Furniture Mart (Online + Delivery to Memphis)While it has no physical store in Memphis, it offers nationwide delivery and frequently runs cost-effective promotions—suitable for families on a limited budget.

Ashley HomeStore / The BrickBasic electric lift chairs are available for purchase; be sure to confirm whether they have genuine "standing assistance" functionality.

3. Second-Hand and Community Resources

Facebook Marketplace Memphis / CraigslistFamilies often sell nearly new lift chairs here, priced between $250–$600—ideal for short-term recovery or trial use.

Salvation Army Thrift Stores (e.g., Lamar Ave, Austin Peay)Occasionally has donated equipment at very low prices (thorough cleaning and functional testing are required).

Local Senior Centers & ChurchesOrganizations like the Memphis Area Agency on Aging and First Baptist Church Senior Ministry sometimes provide information on equipment loans or donations.

Government and Insurance Funding Options (Tennessee)

✅ Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)Major plans in the Memphis area, such as Humana and BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Advantage, often offer "extra benefits" that may cover part of the lift chair cost (requires an occupational therapist assessment + doctor’s prescription).

✅ TennCare (Including CHOICES Program)Individuals enrolled in the CHOICES Home and Community-Based Services Program (Level 2 and above) can use funds to rent or purchase a lift chair as an assistive device.

✅ Veterans Affairs (VA)Eligible veterans can apply for full funding through the Memphis VA Medical Center (located on N. Germantown Pkwy).

✅ Area Agency on Aging – Region IX (West Tennessee)Covers Shelby County, offering free consultations, in-home safety assessments, and assistance with connecting to resources.