Seating someone with Huntington’s Disease can be very challenging and comfort and safety are key considerations in selecting the right chair.

Reducing the risk of injury is the number one priority as one of the most significant side effects of Huntington’s Disease is involuntary movements of the trunk, arms and feet. These movements can result in falls and the person coming to extra harm from hitting against hard surfaces on their chair. 

The severity of these chorea movements can also mean the person slides out of their chair and falls onto the floor. This leads to family members needing to lift their loved one back into their chair and the person is unable to be left unattended for more than a few minutes at a time.  This can be very distressing for the person and their family members.

Some of the symptoms that need to be considered when choosing the correct chair for a person with Huntington’s Disease include:

• Low mobility.
• Postural instability.
• Involuntary movements.
• Loss of voluntary movement.
• Low/high muscle tone.
• Rigidity.
• Muscle degeneration.
• Weakness.
• Fatigue.
• Confusion / altered mental state.
• Agitation.

In addition to the above, it needs to be remembered that Huntington’s Disease is a progressive condition and future symptoms and abilities must be considered. What suits a person today may not be suitable in 6 or 12 month’s time. 

Tips for Families and Caregivers

• Get a proper seating assessment – An Occupational Therapist can help you trial and choose the most appropriate chair based on current and future needs. They can also assist in accessing funding such as the NDIS. 

• Make sure the patient is comfortable. This goes without saying, if the patient is not comfortable in the chair, the other functions are rendered virtually worthless.

• Know your requirements.  Opt for multi–adjustable seating. Know which features are required to accommodate the needs of the person, and ensure they come as standard on your chair.  Deep and safe positioning of the user to reduce sliding and with padded surfaces to reduce risk of injury are often the top requirements when seating someone with Huntington’s Disease. 

• Consider the level of pressure care. Ensure that the chair provides adequate pressure management properties. People with Huntington’s are often sitting for long periods throughout the day and can be at risk of pressure injuries which can be debilitating.  Seating Matters chairs are made with memory foam in the back, seat and calf pad as standard. Tilt in space and back angle recline can also aid in pressure management and loading the body.

• Consider Chair Materials and Fabrics. As a lot of people with Huntington’s can also move a lot in their chair they are exposed to further risks of skin tears from shear and friction which can ultimately lead to pressure injuries.  All the weight bearing areas on our chairs are covered with Dartex material which is multi stretch, breathable and durable to reduce moisture, increase circulation and reduce the effects of friction and shear.

• Patient dignity. Can the person sit at the table to dine or join others in the family room?  To encourage dignity and independence of patients these are very important factors to consider when choosing your seating.  Seating Matters chairs are very mobile throughout a home or care facility.

Spotlight on the Atlanta chair by Seating Matters