What are the Benefits of Using Swivel Cushions for the Elderly?

When people age, it becomes more challenging to perform certain movements, such as walking, sitting down, and standing up. Without any support, some seniors cannot cover an inch, which makes these movements daunting tasks. In addition to these, it is also difficult for some elderly to get in and out of a car quickly. It may take them some time to do these, and some may even need help from other people for support.

If your elderly loved ones find it challenging to go in and out of the car, they may benefit from using swivel cushions. These are seats that allow the elderly to rotate their bodies when entering or exiting a car. Seniors who have limited mobility may find comfort using these seats, as they do not need to exert much effort in getting in and out of the car.

If it is your first time hearing or reading about swivel cushions and you’d like to learn more about how they can benefit your elderly loved ones, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re giving you the benefits of using swivel cushions for the elderly.

What is a Swivel Cushion?

A swivel cushion is also sometimes referred to as a swivel seat. It is designed to allow an individual to rotate their bodies when getting in and out of a car in order to avoid the twisting motion on the torso. One of the main challenges that elderly people face when getting in and out of a car is the need to rotate their body and legs in order to get inside the car. Also, when it is time to get out of the car, they also need to do the same rotation in reverse. But this can be solved by using a swivel cushion or seat.

When getting in a car, people need to sit down with the car door open and their bodies facing out. They would swivel around one leg at a time in order to sit properly inside the car. These movements are challenging for seniors, particularly those with mobility issues. But through the use of a swivel cushion, all they need to do is to sit with their bodies facing out, and the seat will make the swiveling motion for them to prevent twisting of the torso and legs. It works the same way when getting out of the car.

Most swivel cushions also have soft padding that makes them suitable for long trips. They can also be used by seniors who sit on a stool or chair for hours, as most of them are made of comfortable materials.

Benefits of Using Swivel Cushions for the Elderly

Now that you know what swivel cushions are, let us move on to their advantages. Swivel cushions are useful aids for a lot of seniors as they can give several benefits. Below are some of them:

Improved Mobility

Swivel cushions may help the elderly in moving more easily, especially those who have joint pains and mobility issues. Swivel seats may reduce their need to twist and turn the body and may also help prevent discomfort. It makes it easy for seniors to get in and out of cars, chairs, and other seated positions. Aside from swivel cushions, there are also other tools and devices that may help seniors when it comes to riding and driving cars. You may check out our list of Useful Car Aids for Seniors for more tips and recommendations.

Reduced Risk of Falls

A lot of senior citizens are at risk of falling, especially when getting up from a seated position. This risk can be reduced by swivel cushions as they provide a stable and supportive base that may help the elderly to move safer and more confidently.

Increased Independence

Swivel cushions improve the mobility of seniors and reduce their risk of falls, which may also help them maintain their independence for longer. Through the use of swivel cushions, many elderly people may be able to continue driving, traveling, and completing everyday tasks with minimal to no assistance needed from other people.

Improved Posture

The need for seniors to twist and turn their bodies when using a swivel cushion is decreased, which may also help improve their posture. This is very beneficial for senior citizens who have back pains, as it can aid in reducing strain on the spine and promote better alignment.

Enhanced Comfort

A lot of swivel cushions are made to provide additional padding and support. This helps improve comfort and reduce pressure on the sensitive parts of the body. The use of swivel cushions is particularly beneficial for elderly people who spend a lot of time sitting, like those who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden.

Different Uses of Swivel Cushions for the Elderly

Swivel cushions can be used by senior citizens in many ways, and they can help them perform tasks easier. Below are some of the different uses of swivel cushions for the elderly:

Getting In and Out of the Car

One of the best uses of swivel cushions for seniors is to get in and out of the car easily. Most swivel cushions have a non-slip base and a comfortable, rotating seat that can be attached to the car seat securely. This prevents it from moving or slipping as the seniors use it.

Getting In and Out of the Chair

Sometimes, it is also difficult for some elderly to get in and out of chairs, whether it is a standard chair, a wheelchair, a recliner, or other seating options. Luckily, there are also swivel cushions that can be used for these. They usually feature a cushioned seat and a rotating base that can help the elderly get in and out of the chair easier.

Getting In and Out of the Bed

The use of swivel cushions is not limited to chairs as they can also be used by the elderly to get in and out of their beds easily. Most have a padded rotating seat that you can place on top of the bed, and it can provide a stable and supportive surface for the senior to sit on and easily get in and out of bed.

Swivel cushions are actually portable, and there are a variety of options available in the market. This means that you can take them anywhere with you when you travel and use them whenever needed. If the senior finds it difficult to get in and out of the bed, the use of patient lifts may also help. You can learn more about these by reading our Guide to Selecting Patient Lifts.

Things to Consider When Buying a Swivel Chair for the Elderly

If you are considering buying a swivel chair for your elderly loved one, there are important factors that you may consider in order to find the best one. Keep in mind that not all swivel chairs may benefit your loved one. That is why it is best to consider the needs and preferences of your senior loved one, as well as the specific features and design of the cushion. To help you, below are some of the factors to consider when buying a swivel cushion:

Size

Swivel cushions come in many different sizes. Therefore, it is important to pick one that fits your senior loved one and as well as his or her chair perfectly. If it is going to be used in the car, you need to consider its circumference to ensure that it will fit the car seat well.

Comfort

You also have to remember that you are buying a swivel cushion for comfort. Therefore, it is better to choose one that is made using high-quality and soft materials that will provide support and comfort to your elderly loved one. See to it that what you are buying has soft padding, and the design should be comfortable enough for seniors even during longer trips.

Car Adjustments

If you are purchasing a swivel cushion to be used in a car, you first need to check if the car allows adjustment and installation of a swivel seat. Note that swivel seats are best used on a flat surface. This means that if the seats of your car are concave or bucket-style, it might need some adjustment for a swivel cushion to work effectively. You also need to make sure that the door of the car opens wide enough to provide sufficient legroom and comfort to the senior using the swivel seat cushion.

Medical Benefits

If you are purchasing a swivel cushion for a senior loved one who suffers from a medical condition, consulting a doctor is important. They may suggest you the best possible option when it comes to choosing a swivel cushion. You may also compare and contrast the medical benefits that your elderly loved one may get from the product. Pick a swivel seat that may help improve blood flow to the back and limbs and one that can prevent stress from building up in the back, joints, and neck.

Conclusion

A swivel cushion can be a helpful tool for seniors when it comes to getting in and out of chairs and cars. It is best for seniors who spend a lot of time on chairs or those who are fond of traveling and going on long road trips, as swivel cushions may provide comfort and support for them. We hope this post helped you learn more about the benefits of using swivel cushions for the elderly.