Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, typically affecting older adults. It is characterised by the gradual decline of cognitive function due to disrupted communication between nerve cells in the brain. Over time, this leads to significant memory loss and behavioural changes, with symptoms often becoming more pronounced as short-term memory fades.
What can families do to help their loved ones living with the condition?
Whether at home or in a full-time care facility, people living with Alzheimer’s often face additional challenges that affect their comfort, health, and overall quality of life. Families frequently find that many of these issues—such as agitation, fatigue, or poor posture—can be eased with the right seating solution. Read on to discover how proper support and posture can make a meaningful difference.
Health
Reduced Mobility
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, many individuals lose the ability to stand, walk, or transfer independently. Combined with cognitive decline, this puts them at increased risk of falls and injury when they attempt to move around unassisted.
Correct seating can dramatically reduce the risk of falls—often without the need for restraints like seatbelts or harnesses. Features such as motorised tilt and recline, operated by a remote, can help a person move safely to a standing position. Alternatively, carers can assist with transfers using removable chair arms for easier side access.
Note: While features like tilt and recline are intended for comfort and safety, in some jurisdictions they may be classified as restraints. Always consider the ethical, legal, and personal implications when restricting movement.
Breathing Difficulties & Lung Infections
Poor posture—such as slouching or leaning—can compress the chest and abdomen, making it harder to breathe. This may lead to fatigue when talking or recurring respiratory infections.
Seating Matters chairs offer customisable postural support, such as lateral supports and adjustable angles, to help maintain an open, upright posture. By improving lung expansion, these chairs support better respiratory function and may reduce the risk of lung infections.
Digestive & Urinary Tract Problems
Improper seating can also affect the body’s internal systems. Slouched or cramped posture can impair digestion and contribute to complications like constipation, urinary tract infections, or kidney issues.
Correct seating gives vital organs the space they need to function efficiently, supporting digestive health and urinary flow.
Incontinence
In the later stages of their illness, many people experience loss of bladder and bowel control. It is up to the caregiver to determine how they will help maintain a person’s dignity, but it is wise to ensure that any fabrics on furniture and clothing used by your loved one is easy to remove and clean.
Seating Matters chairs are upholstered in medical-grade Dartex and high-durability vinyl, making them easy to wipe clean. Seat cushions, armrests, and footplates are removable and can be disinfected with hospital-grade cleaners—without damaging materials or trapping bacteria.
Pressure Ulcers / Skin Breakdown
When someone remains seated for extended periods, especially with limited mobility, pressure can build up over bony areas, reducing blood flow and oxygen. This increases the risk of pressure ulcers, a serious health threat for elderly individuals.
Chairs designed by Seating Matters help relieve pressure through adjustable tilt, cushioning, and pressure care support, reducing the likelihood of skin breakdown and supporting overall well-being.
Quality of Life
Feeding Problems
Poor posture can significantly impact a person’s ability to swallow, sometimes leading them to stop eating altogether. When a chair lacks proper support, patients often use their hands to stabilise themselves—leaving them unable to eat, drink, or interact comfortably.
With the right seating, posture is supported, allowing the individual to free their hands and regain confidence. Simple acts—like reaching for a tissue, lifting a cup of tea, or even self-feeding—can become possible again. In many cases, we’ve seen individuals go from relying entirely on a carer for meals to feeding themselves independently, restoring both dignity and quality of life.
Independence
In progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining independence for as long as possible can greatly enhance well-being. Seating Matters chairs are designed to do just that.
Our chairs offer powered features—like remote-controlled tilt and recline—so users can adjust their position without needing assistance. This gives them control, freedom, and comfort in daily routines.
Every detail of our chairs is crafted to maximise function and encourage independence, with built-in support that instils confidence and fosters greater autonomy.
Comfort
Comfort & Contentment
Ultimately, our goal is to provide the user with genuine comfort and contentment. When a person feels safe, supported, and secure in their chair—while also being able to maintain a level of independence—it can lead to a significant boost in both mental and physical well-being. Proper postural and functional support doesn’t just improve how someone sits, but how they feel and engage with the world around them.
Specialty Seating for Dementia and Alzheimer’s
The Atlanta 2, Sorrento 2 and Phoenix 2 chairs from Seating Matters are specifically designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, each addressing different stages and symptoms of the condition.
The DSDC-certified Sorrento 2 and Phoenix 2 are particularly suited to later stages of Alzheimer’s, where muscular function may be reduced. Both chairs are highly adjustable and can be fitted with additional accessories as needs evolve, ensuring long-term suitability as the patient’s condition changes.
The DSDC-certified Atlanta 2 is ideal for individuals who experience involuntary movements or are at higher risk of falling due to reduced strength or awareness. Its deep seat, high armrests, and supportive leg rests help keep the individual secure and comfortable.
Please note: every person is unique. While this overview is based on common patterns observed among similar patients, chair selection should always consider the individual’s specific condition, environment, and preferences.
To help with this, a Seating Matters Specialist can provide a free seating assessment at your location to recommend the most appropriate solution.
