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Shopping for furniture as an elderly person or someone with mobility issues can present unique challenges. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, we understand these needs and strive to create a comfortable and accessible shopping experience tailored to everyone—regardless of age or mobility level. From specialized furniture recommendations to accessible showrooms and personalized assistance, our goal is to make your shopping journey as seamless as possible.
In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect when shopping at La-Z-Boy if you’re elderly or have mobility issues, highlighting the thoughtful services and furniture options designed with accessibility and comfort in mind.
Key Takeaways:
- Wheelchair-Accessible Showrooms: Every La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston location is fully accessible, with wide pathways and accessible restrooms.
- Specialized Furniture Options: Lift chairs, power recliners, and firm-cushion stationary furniture are recommended for enhanced comfort and mobility support.
- Personalized Shopping Experience: Book private appointments during off-peak hours or schedule one-on-one consultations with trained design consultants.
- White-Glove Delivery Service: Includes delivery to retirement homes, suburban apartments, and special accommodations for residents in care facilities.
- Expert Advice from Trained Consultants: Our staff is trained to help match furniture to individual needs, ensuring safety and comfort without compromising style.
In This Article…
- Shopping at La-Z-Boy
- La-Z-Boy Training
- Delivery to Retirement Homes
- Good Examples of Furniture Items at La-Z-Boy
- Bad Examples of Furniture Items at La-Z-Boy
The Process of Shopping at La-Z-Boy as an Elderly Person/Person with Mobility Issues
“Showrooms are huge,” notes Mary Lee Smyth, an experienced interior designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston. “Even I’m tired after a day’s work because I’m getting about 14,000 steps on average. That’s a lot for anyone.”
Understanding the challenges large spaces can pose, La-Z-Boy offers in-store wheelchairs and ensures the layout allows easy access around furniture displays. If you anticipate needing additional assistance, you can schedule an appointment in advance, allowing staff to prepare for your specific needs and offer personalized attention during your visit.
Shopping at La-Z-Boy with Mobility Issues
Mobility issues can affect individuals of all ages, not just the elderly. Whether due to illness, injury, or a long-term condition, our team is trained to accommodate your unique needs.
For customers who prefer a quieter shopping experience, La-Z-Boy offers private appointments during non-peak hours. In certain cases, clients can even arrange to visit before or after store hours, especially if they’re immunocompromised or require a low-traffic environment.
“We make sure to take our time with no pressure or rushing,” says Mary Lee. “We want to ensure we meet all their needs, if possible.”
Design consultants can also tailor the shopping experience based on mobility preferences. Whether you’d rather sit during the consultation or need extra space for a wheelchair or walker, the staff will make every effort to make you comfortable.
La-Z-Boy's Staff Training for Accessibility
Every sales consultant and interior designer at La-Z-Boy is trained to understand the diverse needs of customers, including those with mobility challenges. Staff receive specific training on matching customers with the right furniture based on their physical needs and home setup.
“We try to be as transparent as possible,” Mary Lee explains. “We don’t want to see anyone leaving with a product that doesn’t best suit them.”
For example, if a customer loves the look of a recliner but struggles to operate manual mechanisms, consultants will suggest similar models with power recline features. Safety is always top of mind—products that could pose balance risks or require excessive force to operate are carefully considered and often substituted with safer alternatives.
Mary Lee shares a story, “I had an elderly woman come in wanting a manual recliner. She couldn’t fully close the recliner by herself, so I recommended the same recliner but in a power version. I usually recommend power recliners to elderly individuals with mobility issues instead of manual ones that require force to lift up and push back down.”
Staff also prioritize clear, empathetic communication. Consultants adjust their tone and approach based on each client’s personality—whether that means raising their voice for someone hard of hearing or lightening the mood with humor for a client who enjoys a good laugh.
Delivery to Retirement Homes
La-Z-Boy offers white-glove delivery to retirement homes, apartments, and suburban residences within Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston. All deliveries include furniture setup in the customer’s room or common area, and special care is taken to accommodate residents in retirement communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery policies were updated to prioritize resident safety. While restrictions have since eased, La-Z-Boy still follows health protocols, especially in care facilities. If outbreaks occur, outdoor delivery options are available, and residents may need to complete a COVID test before delivery.
For customers living outside the city limits, La-Z-Boy also delivers to suburban areas. Be aware, though, that deliveries outside Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston may incur additional fees.
To learn more about our Delivery Services, take a look at this article.
Recommended Furniture for Elderly People and Those with Mobility Issues
Now that we know what to expect when shopping at La-Z-Boy as an elderly person or person with mobility issues, here are some examples of furniture items that might be right for you if you fall into this group of people.
Lift Recliners
Lift recliners are one of the most popular options for seniors and people with limited mobility. These chairs gently tilt forward, helping users stand up without straining their joints or muscles.
Mary Lee also states that, specifically in the Kingston location, La-Z-Boy’s lift chair selection is close to the front of the entrance. “Lift recliners are a perfect choice because they’re stable and move slowly, making them safe and easy to use. Plus, they don’t come in leather—otherwise, people would slide right off!”
To learn about La-Z-Boy’s Best-Selling Lift Recliners, take a look at this article.
Power Recliners
Unlike manual recliners, power recliners allow users to adjust positions with the push of a button. These are particularly helpful for individuals with limited strength or dexterity.
Some models even feature lithium-ion battery packs, allowing placement away from outlets without sacrificing power functionality.
Stationary Furniture
For customers who prefer classic seating without motion features, stationary sofas and chairs offer sturdy, reliable options.
Mary Lee suggests traditional furniture families like:
- Kennedy Collection – A timeless design with firm, supportive cushions.
- Mackenzie Collection – Known for its classic style and durable build.
For younger customers with mobility issues who may prefer more modern styles, the Piper and Meyer collections offer sleek designs without compromising comfort.
Furniture to Avoid for Seniors and People with Mobility Challenges
Some furniture items may not be the best idea for those who are elderly or who suffer from mobility issues, mostly because they may not be able to get up, or because it could create a safety hazard.
Mary Lee recommends staying away from the following furniture items…
Swivel Chairs
While trendy and functional for some, swivel chairs can be unstable for users with balance issues.
“Swivel chairs can spin too fast, which might make someone dizzy or disoriented. There’s a real risk of losing balance and falling,” warns Mary Lee.
If you would like to learn more about Swivel Accent Chairs, take a look at this article.
Manual Recliners & High-Leg Recliners
Manual recliners require physical force to operate, making them less ideal for individuals with mobility challenges.
High-leg recliners, which hide their reclining function within a traditional frame, can also be difficult to operate since they lack levers or buttons.
If you’re torn between manual and power options, check out our article on Manual vs. Power Recliners for a deeper comparison.
What's Next?
We hope that this article gave you a better understanding of how we can accommodate anyone elderly or suffering from mobility issues who walk into our stores.
If you feel as though you are more comfortable coming into any of our Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston Locations, why not stop by? As mentioned before, you can also schedule a visit online before coming in.
Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how any of our furniture items could fit in your home.
To learn more about what we have to offer at La-Z-Boy, take a look at our Living Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.
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