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Taking Care when Sitting


Taking Care When Sitting

Click here to print the Taking Care when sitting guide

Pressure ulcers are caused when the person is in one position for too long. It is important to have a chair that is the right size so that the person’s weight is supported evenly in the chair. If the chair is the wrong size, extra pressure can build up on bony or vulnerable parts of the body that are supporting too much weight.  The chair must also be the right size to give a good position for breathing, eating, drinking and communicating when sitting. It is important to be able to move in the chair and get on and off the chair to reduce the risk of pressure damage and to keep active.

To check the chair is the right size: 

  • Feet should be flat on floor
  • Bottom should reach the back of seat
  • Back should be supported by the backrest from seat level upwards.
  • Ankles, knees and hips should be at about 90°
  • Thighs should be parallel with the floor
  • Arms should be comfortably supported by each armrest
  • Shoulders should be level, not hunched or leaning

Sitting in the right size chair

If the chair is too low:  The person’s knees will be higher than the seat,  which puts pressure on their lower back and buttocks, and makes it difficult to get out of the chair.

low chair

If a chair is too wide or the armrests too low:  The person will lean to one side or the other for support when sitting. Leaning to one side puts more pressure that side, and this can cause pressure damage, back pain and problems with swallow and breathing.

chair too wide

If the chair is too high or seat too long from front to back: The person leans back in the seat to get support from the backrest and slides forward in the seat to get feet onto the floor for stability. This slide and slumped position can cause pressure damage on the bony areas, the buttocks, thighs and back. This position can cause back pain and can make breathing, swallowing and talking difficult.

chair too high and deep

If a pressure cushion is added to a chair that is already the right size, it can raise the seat height by up to 5” so that the person’s feet cannot reach the floor for support. The armrests will be too low for support and the person will slide forwards or lean to the side for support and stability. This position will increase the risk of pressure ulcers and can cause back pain and problems with swallow and breathing.

chair with pressure cushion

If there is a risk of skin damage, refer to the community nursing team for advice.

Ideas to improve comfort and reduce pressure when sitting

  • Find a better chair at home that is a good fit for support, function and pressure relief.
  • If the chair is too wide the person will lean to the side for support, a soft cushion at each side or a pillow on their lap might help to support them in the chair.
  • If the chair seat is too high a bath step under their feet can help to give them support to sit upright in the chair. The step should be removed before they stand from the chair.

  • If the chair is too low chair raisers can be purchased for legs or castors, to increase the height. An extra cushion on the seat may raise the height BUT it could make the chair seat unstable and reduce support from the armrests.
  • If the chair seat is too deep (front to back) a pillow placed from top to bottom of the backrest will reduce the seat depth. Small cushions are uneven and won’t stay in place.
  • When eating and drinking it is easier and safer to sit at a table, but if this is not possible, eat from a lap tray or an over-chair table to avoid leaning to reach the meal.
  • To reduce leg swelling, encourage the person to be as active as possible with periods of bed rest during the day. Raising legs on a footstool is not so effective.
  • Stand from the chair or exercise in the chair as often as possible, with assistance if needed or with equipment for support when getting up and when standing.

If standing from the chair is difficult here are some seated exercises