An apparatus for assisting a person to move from a seated position on a seat to a standing position and vice versa. The apparatus includes a base, an actuator arrangement, and a torso support. The torso support has a main engagement surface for engaging the chest of the person. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support over a range of vertical and horizontal positions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main engagement surface. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support in the vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support in the horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support. The apparatus also includes a rotational actuator connected to the torso support for rotating the torso support about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.
