The warm Mobility Co showroom in Cheltenham, set up like a home with lift recliners and an adjustable bed

Mobility Equipment for Arthritis: A Practical Guide

In short: Arthritis makes the everyday hard on the joints: rising from a chair, gripping a walking frame, getting comfortable in bed, and stiff, painful mornings. The right equipment takes the strain off sore joints: a lift recliner that does the pushing up for you, an adjustable bed that helps you change position and get up, and walking aids with comfortable grips and good support. Comfort and ease of use matter most, and trying before buying makes all the difference. We offer a free assessment and in-home demonstrations across bayside Melbourne. Call 1300 225 203.

Taking the strain off sore joints

Arthritis pain is often worst in the joints you use to stand, walk and grip. The aim with any piece of equipment is to let it do the work so your joints do not have to. That is exactly the point healthdirect makes, noting that mobility aids reduce stress on muscles and joints. A powered lift recliner is a good example: instead of forcing painful knees and hips to push you upright, the chair tilts gently forward and brings you to your feet. That single change can make a big difference to a painful day.

A chair that is kind to your joints

For arthritis, look for a chair that is firm enough to get out of easily, with a powered lift, and comfortable enough to sit in without stiffening up. Good padding, the right seat height, and a recline for resting all help. If a standard recliner has never quite fit or been comfortable, a made-to-measure chair can be set up to you. Our lift recliner chair guide and our guide to a chair that fits your body explain the options.

A lift recliner at home in a comfortable lounge, chosen to help with rising and resting.
A lift recliner at home in a comfortable lounge, chosen to help with rising and resting.

An adjustable bed for stiff mornings

Stiff, painful mornings are one of the hardest parts of arthritis. Keeping gently active helps as well: Arthritis Australia calls regular exercise one of the most effective treatments for arthritis, so the aids take the load off the jobs that tend to flare it. An adjustable bed lets you raise the head and knees to get comfortable, take pressure off sore joints, and sit up and get out of bed more easily. The right mattress supports the joints through the night. See our adjustable beds guide.

An adjustable bed set up to feel like home, making rest and getting in and out easier.
An adjustable bed set up to feel like home, making rest and getting in and out easier.

Walking aids that are easy to grip and use

For arthritis in the hands, wrists or shoulders, look for walking aids with comfortable, easy-grip handles and smooth brakes that do not need a hard squeeze. A rollator with a seat lets you rest when a joint flares up. For longer trips, a scooter saves the joints altogether. Our guides to walkers and rollators and mobility scooters can help you choose.

Try it, because comfort is personal

Arthritis affects everyone differently, so what feels right to one person will not to another. That is exactly why we let you try everything first, in our Cheltenham showroom or at home, with a free assessment and a personalised suitability test. Funding through the NDIS, Support at Home or DVA may apply, and we work with your occupational therapist and provide compliant quotes. See our funding guide.

Visit us: Unit 2/136 Keys Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192. Call 1300 225 203. Free in-home demonstrations across bayside Melbourne, the south-east and the Mornington Peninsula.

Common questions

What is the best chair for arthritis?

A powered lift recliner is often ideal, because it takes the strain off painful knees and hips when standing, and reclines comfortably for rest. Look for a firm, supportive seat at the right height, and a made-to-measure chair if fit or comfort has been a problem. We will let you try one first.

Can an adjustable bed help with arthritis?

Yes. Raising the head and knees helps you get comfortable, takes pressure off sore joints and makes getting in and out of bed easier, which is a real help on stiff mornings. The right mattress matters too, and we can match one.

What walking aid is best for arthritic hands?

Look for comfortable, easy-grip handles and brakes that do not need a hard squeeze. A rollator with a seat lets you rest when a joint flares, and a scooter saves the joints over longer distances. Come and try a few for grip and comfort.

Can arthritis equipment be funded?

It can. Depending on age and situation, mobility equipment may be funded through the NDIS, the Support at Home AT-HM scheme or DVA, usually with an occupational therapist assessment. See our funding guide, and we can provide compliant quotes.

Mobility Co provides general information only. For advice about managing arthritis, please speak with your GP, occupational therapist or health professional.

What our customers say

Visit our Cheltenham showroom

The best way to choose is to come and try. Sit in the chairs, lie back on the beds, and let us help you find what actually fits. Walk-ins are always welcome, and for the larger items like lift chairs, adjustable beds and mobility scooters we do suggest booking a time so we can give you our full attention. Prefer to stay home? We also do free in-home demonstrations, and the kettle is always on.

Mobility Co
Unit 2/136 Keys Road
Cheltenham VIC 3192

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: by appointment
Walk-ins welcome, appointments encouraged for larger items

Call us: 1300 225 203

Related reading: How to reduce falls at home and our Bayside home safety guide.

About the author

Daylan Kempster, Assistive Technology Specialist and Director of Mobility Co

Daylan Kempster is an assistive technology specialist and the director of Mobility Co, a family owned mobility equipment showroom in Cheltenham, Melbourne. He has close to ten years of experience in the assistive technology and healthcare sector, gained across several companies, working with older Australians managing the changes of ageing, younger people living with disability, and people who need the right equipment for a short time while they recover from surgery. He writes these guides from hands on experience helping families choose beds, chairs, scooters and walkers that suit a real home. Connect with Daylan on LinkedIn.

Related: sock aids and dressing aids that make dressing easier on sore hands and joints.