Same problem here. The deep slant in my wonderful 20 year old leather chair is now causing me back problems. My age. Ottoman is nice but takes a lot of space. I will probably go to a good chair and use my existing ottoman. Like you, I was hoping for a small recliner. Measure before you buy. The door openings to bedrooms and dens are smaller than front door openings. I’m dealing with that issue. Most recliners seem sized to enter the front door and stay in the living room.

Had some hip surgery - Had to limit rocking forward on a lazy Boy. I took 2 two by four pieces of wood cut to the length of the front edge of the chair , bolted them together with the bolts inset into the wood. Placed this under the front edge of the chair. It stopped the rocking forward so that I could get get out of the chair without breaking hip precautions.

Re: hand lever - I have seen some smaller recliners usually for nursery use that have a button control. Frankly these seem somewhat cheap - but then replacing them after a period of use might not be prohibitive.

Lazy boy does have a model particularly designed for a shorter woman - but it would have the lever on the side.

2014 question - check dates before posting. 5 years ago...……..

Looks good. People comment it because these threads are still helpful.