Do you have an overweight senior citizen at home, who is having to deal with major health problems because of his obesity and weight? Is he too old to start working out, in order to lose weight? Then you should definitely try to make him feel better about himself by informing him that he is the only person with the problem. In fact, as many as 40% of US citizens are now either overweight or obese. And if you find that he is having second thoughts about using regular chairs, consider buying him a bariatric chair.

How a bariatric chair will help him

These chairs are especially made to support the extra weight of obese people. Besides, if the senior citizen is also suffering from arthritis, or other similar ailments of joints in the legs, then the wheels on the chair should grant him enough mobility to move around the house with ease. Besides, it is not just about improving his mobility, either. It is also about making him feel better about himself, and more independent than before.

How to choose a bariatric chair

This is the part where it gets a little tricky. There are bariatric chairs of so many brands out there that you are bound to feel a little overwhelmed when trying to get one for the senior citizen in your family. The following pointers can help you out a bit though:

1. 
   Make sure that the seat is at the proper height: The seat of the chair you are purchasing should allow the user to put his feet flat on the ground, while keeping his shins perpendicular to the floor. Do not buy chairs that are too high or too low. You may end up worsening the condition of the user.
   
2. 
   Make sure that the bariatric chair provides enough space: Check whether the chair will provide for the family member to sit comfortably at all times. Ideally, there should be at least 1-2 inches of free space left on both sides, once the user sits on the chair. This will allow him to move freely, and prevent some problems which can occur due to improper blood circulation.
   
3. 
   Make sure that the tires are durable: Always go for airless, solid tires made of heavy duty rubber. These can provide smoother rides, and offer high enough durability to justify your investment.
   

Always try to check out bariatric chairs from multiple dealers to ensure that you are buying the best product possible. Also, in order to get the best deals possible, try to shop online, from some of the reputable retailers of medical furniture. This can get you chairs at factory prices, which is something that no retailers with brick and mortar shops can provide.