By Rita Thatcher
Introduction
I should probably start by saying I’m not one of life’s gadget lovers. I’m 66, recently retired from teaching, and although my grandchildren think I spend half my life scrolling on Facebook, I’m really more of a book-and-tea sort of woman.
But my knees have started to protest in recent years, and getting in and out of my trusty old sofa had turned into an undignified shuffle. That’s when my daughter gently suggested I try a riser recliner chair. I wrinkled my nose at first — weren’t those just for people older than me? — but curiosity (and sore joints) eventually won me over.
I ended up choosing the Admiral Care Dual Motor Riser Recliner Chair from One Rehab, sold through Rapid Mobility here in the UK. After living with it for several weeks, I thought I’d share my experience. This is a personal account, not a technical manual, but if you’re searching for the best recliner chairs for seniors or simply want a comfortable, supportive chair that makes life easier, hopefully this will help.
Product Overview
The Admiral Care is a dual motor riser recliner. That means the backrest and footrest move separately — so you can sit upright with your legs up, or lie back almost flat with your feet raised. It gives you a lot of flexibility.
It has a high supportive back, proper armrests you can grip when standing, and upholstery in a soft but practical fabric. To me, it looks like a normal armchair — not clinical equipment — which was important. I wanted something that blends into my living room, not something that announces itself as a “mobility aid.”
Of course, the star feature is the electric rise function, which gently tilts you forward to help you stand without straining knees or hips. For anyone with arthritis or limited mobility, this can be genuinely life-changing.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Type: Dual motor electric riser recliner chair
- Style: High back, supportive cushions, classic armchair look
- Controls: Simple handset with back and footrest buttons
- Safety: Smooth rise action, stable frame
- Upholstery: Soft wipeable fabric in various colours
- Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty included
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth, quiet motorised movement
- Dual motor allows back and footrest to adjust independently
- Supportive high backrest for head and shoulders
- Looks like a traditional armchair, not medical equipment
- Rise function makes standing easier and safer
- Comfortable enough for naps (I’ve tested this thoroughly!)
Cons
- Quite a large chair — you’ll need some space
- Delivery took a couple of weeks
- Firm at first, but softens with use
- Controls take a day or two to get used to
Design and Build Quality
I was pleasantly surprised by the look of this mobility recliner chair. It’s smart, simple, and homely, without any of the clunky styling I’d half expected.
The fabric feels nice to the touch but also easy to clean, which matters when you’re sipping tea in it daily. The stitching and seams are tidy, and the whole frame feels sturdy. It doesn’t wobble or creak when you sit down, which is reassuring.
The electric handset is simple: a couple of buttons for the backrest, a couple for the footrest. I was nervous about the technology at first, but it turned out to be intuitive — even for someone like me who usually has to call her son to fix the TV remote.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is the real test of any riser recliner chair for elderly users. On the first day, I thought the Admiral Care was too firm. But after a week, it moulded to me. The high back gives proper support for the head and shoulders, so you don’t end up slouching.
The footrest raises high enough to take the weight off my legs properly, which has been a blessing for circulation. The recline is generous — not fully flat like a bed, but near enough for me to nod off more than once with a blanket over my knees.
Because the chair is dual motor, I can keep the back upright while raising my feet — perfect for knitting or watching telly. Or I can recline the back further for a proper rest. It’s that flexibility that makes this one of the best electric recliners for seniors in my opinion.
Ease of Use
The rise function is where this chair truly shines. It’s slow, smooth, and steady, tipping me forward just enough that I can stand up without huffing and puffing. The armrests are solid and supportive, so I always feel safe.
The handset is straightforward, with big, clearly marked buttons. It took me only a day to work out my favourite positions. Compared with clambering out of a sofa, this feels effortless.
Assembly and Setup
The delivery team carried it in, set it up, and showed me how to use it. All I had to do was decide where it would live (and make sure there was a plug nearby). It does need a bit of clearance behind to recline fully, but otherwise there’s no fuss.
Durability and Maintenance
The Admiral Care riser recliner feels sturdy and dependable. The motors glide smoothly without noise or strain, and the fabric has already survived the odd tea spill. A quick vacuum and occasional wipe-down is all it needs.
Given the solid feel and the warranty, I’m confident it will serve me for years. And if it means saving my knees from daily strain, that’s an investment worth making.
Accessibility and Health Considerations
This is where I think electric riser recliners like the Admiral Care earn their place. For people like me with arthritis and stiff knees, the difference is remarkable. No more dreading the effort of standing up — the chair does half the work.
The adjustable positions are also good for circulation and pressure relief. Being able to raise my legs after walking helps ease swelling, and reclining gently supports my back without slumping.
In short, it’s not just comfort — it’s health and independence.
Final Verdict
The Admiral Care Dual Motor Riser Recliner Chair has been a revelation for me. It’s not the cheapest option, and it does take up some space, but it delivers where it matters most: comfort, safety, and independence.
It looks like proper furniture, feels reassuringly solid, and gives me the freedom to sit and stand without pain. For anyone searching for the best recliner chairs for elderly people in the UK, this one is well worth considering.
User Reviews & Where to Buy
Other users say much the same: supportive, comfortable, and a real help for mobility issues. A few mention the firm cushioning at first, but most agree it softens nicely.
The Admiral Care is available from UK mobility retailers like Rapid Mobility, with delivery and setup included.
Final Thoughts
I’ll admit I was sceptical about getting a mobility recliner chair. I thought it was something for “older people.” But after living with the Admiral Care, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be without it.
It’s given me back a little independence, made evenings far more comfortable, and even provided the occasional afternoon nap spot. If you’re struggling with ordinary sofas or want to future-proof your comfort, this chair is a worthy companion.
My rating: 4.6 / 5
