I’m a mobility advisor: five signs your sofa could be a hidden hazard for older relatives

A mobility advisor has warned families not to overlook the dangers of everyday furniture, revealing how the wrong sofa or armchair could make life harder for older relatives. 

From sinking into cushions that are too soft to struggling to push themselves out of seats that are too low, seemingly harmless furniture could put extra strain on the back, hips and knees. 

Worse still, unstable armrests, sagging cushions and awkward seating positions could make sitting down and standing up less safe, particularly for those already experiencing mobility or balance problems. 

Connie Downie, mobility advisor at Ableworld, has shared five warning signs that an older relative's sofa could be a hidden hazard, alongside a simple check families can carry out when visiting parents or grandparents. 

The five-point seating safety test for older relatives

THE FIVE-POINT SEATING SAFETY TEST 

Connie explained that families could check their relatives' usual seating by looking out for five potential problems. 

1. THE SINK TEST 

Does your relative disappear into the cushions when they sit down? Very soft or worn-out seating can allow the hips to sink too low, leaving someone slumped and making it much harder to stand back up. 

2. THE FEET TEST 

When they're sitting normally, can they place both feet flat on the floor? If their feet dangle or they have to stretch forwards to reach the ground, the seat could be too high or deep for them. 

3. THE ARMREST TEST 

Are the armrests sturdy and within comfortable reach? If they're too low, too far away or unstable, someone may struggle to find the support they need when changing position or standing up. 

4. THE CUSHION TEST 

Look at the seat from the side. Are the cushions visibly sagging, flattened or uneven? Worn cushions can leave someone sitting at an awkward angle, potentially contributing to discomfort and poor posture. 

5. THE STABILITY TEST 

Does the chair move, rock or slide when someone sits down or pushes against the armrests? An unstable seat could make losing balance more likely, particularly for someone who already struggles with their footing. 

WHY YOUR SOFA COULD BE MAKING THINGS WORSE 

Connie warned that unsuitable seating could add to existing aches, joint problems and mobility difficulties, particularly when someone spends several hours a day sitting down. 

She said: "People often think of a sofa as somewhere to relax, but the wrong one can actually make everyday life much harder. 

"If it's too low, too soft or doesn't provide enough support, you could spend hours sitting in an uncomfortable position without realising it. 

"Someone with stiff knees or aching hips might find a very low sofa particularly difficult because they have to use much more effort to get themselves back up. 

"Likewise, sinking into deep cushions can make it harder to position your feet properly, while unstable armrests could leave someone without the support they need. 

"The danger is that people get used to these little difficulties and simply accept them as part of getting older." 

Connie urged families to pay attention to changes in how older relatives use their furniture. 

She added: "Look out for whether your parents or grandparents are avoiding certain chairs, constantly adjusting themselves or struggling to get comfortable. 

"These things might seem insignificant, but they're worth investigating, particularly if someone is already experiencing mobility problems. 

"Don't assume every ache or difficulty is caused by their furniture, though. Persistent pain, weakness or balance problems should always be discussed with a GP."