Help and advice

If you find it difficult to get in and out of a settee, especially if it is a low sofa type you could consider the following options:

• Change your technique for standing from a chair
• Raise your settee with chair raisers. Chair raisers will only suit some settees. Raising your existing chair using interconnected chair raisers can be an alternative to purchasing a new suite or could be a short term solution prior to purchasing a higher settee or high chair
• Exchange your settee for a settee above 46cm (as seen in this section)
• Exchange your settee for a high chair, such as those listed in chairs with a high back & seat height above 46cm. You may find it easier to stand up from one of these chairs as you will be able to push up using both the chair's arms

In addition if you are petite or tall you may find there are settees available that are proportionate to your dimensions which can either be purchased off the shelf or customised to your measurements.

It's worth trying out a settee before purchase, to ensure the dimensions fit your body shape. For example if the settee is too deep this may make it harder to get in and out of. Read our advice on essential measurements to consider when purchasing a new chair.

Assist UK is the national network for advice on independent living equipment and has a network of Disabled Living Centres. You could contact Assist UK to locate a centre locally where you could try out a high seat before purchase. They are unlikely to have high seat settees but may have an example of the type of raisers that could be used to raise a small settee.

When considering a chair an individual assessment with an Occupational therapist or by a Physiotherapist may be important especially if you are also struggling with other aspects of your daily life. Your safety is important and there may be individual and environmental factors which determine which chair best suits your needs in the short and longer term. For example, some chair raisers will not fit certain sofas particularly if they are large, and some individuals, such as those who have just had a hip replacement, require a seat to be a minimum height. The information on this site is not a substitute for individual assessment.

You may be eligible for an assessment and equipment from your local authority. If you are eligible the equipment will be provided on a long-term loan basis. Alternatively, you may be eligible for a direct payment from your local authority to purchase something suitable. View more information on equipment provision via your local authority and the direct payments scheme.

For further information you may wish to read our:
- Choosing a chair and chair accessories fact sheet