When seeking to create a comfortable environment at a nursing home or healthcare facility, the quality of the furniture you choose is paramount. Not only does the furniture have to be ergonomic and cater to the varying needs of the residents, but it also has to be appealing and add to a homely living environment. Out of the various furniture items that need to be included, seating is perhaps one of the most important elements.
What’s also worth bearing in mind is that nursing homes differ to other types of senior care or healthcare establishments. Nursing homes need to provide more care than independent living or even assisted living residences. This means that all furniture needs to meet high standards and add to the high degree of care provided by the facility.
Functionality
When it comes to providing care and comfort, functional furniture is a necessity. One of the most important types of furniture to invest in is chairs, as they will be used throughout different areas in the nursing home, from common areas to private rooms. Chairs that support proper posture are essential in nursing homes because the muscles that support the human body weaken with age, which can cause pain, discomfort and even bed sores, infections and breathing issues when sitting.
A variety of therapy chairs are therefore needed to suit the variety of residents’ needs. Some of the features that need to be considered include pressure relieving capabilities, cushioning, adjustability, postural support, leg elevation, healthcare-grade materials, non-allergenic properties and compatibility with standing machines and transfer hoists. Of course, not every chair in your nursing home needs to meet all of these criteria, as different chairs are appropriate for different parts of the facility. For example, a chair that is compatible with standing machines and transfer hoists is likely to be a good choice for the bedroom, while chairs in common areas may need wheels.
Additionally, tables and desks need to complement the chairs that you have chosen, especially in terms of wheelchair accessibility. Beds must be comfortable but also allow for any medical appliances to be attached. Any additional furniture such as chests, tables, and drawers need to be easily accessible by the staff and residents alike. Finally, all furniture needs to be able to accommodate cables from medical equipment.
Appearance
Although functionality is of utmost importance, furniture must also look appealing and stylish. Because nursing homes are not for people who require hospitalization, it is important that they feel more homely than clinical. Because of this, the appearance of the furniture you choose and the overall look of the nursing home is important. By choosing pleasant, attractive designs, you can create a homely environment and avoid a clinical, hospital-like atmosphere.
The color scheme of your chosen furniture can also help residents navigate through the building. Using different colors on different floors or areas can assist those with memory issues to make their way around the building, meaning it could be worth carefully considering your color choices.
Price
Of course, nursing homes sometimes find themselves limited to a budget, meaning affordability is also a key concern. In order to ensure the same quality of furniture throughout the building, individual items must be affordable. However, be wary of going for the cheapest items on the market, as these may be imported products of inferior quality.
Quality
Finally, all furniture items need to be high-quality and durable. Chairs that are not built to last may rip, possibly allowing bacteria to accumulate and affecting residents’ comfort. To avoid these issues, invest in high-quality therapy chairs made by a reputable local company.
The way a nursing home is furnished greatly affects its ambiance and the comfort levels offered to residents. This means that investing in high-quality, comfortable furniture like chairs and beds is necessary to create a homely atmosphere, enhance the quality of care and minimize the harmful health effects of improper furniture such as bed sores, breathing issues, and muscular aches.
When it comes to sourcing ergonomic, adaptive furniture like therapy chairs, seek out a provider that has in-depth knowledge of the aged care industry and provides the highest standard of purpose-built furniture on the market.
