What to consider when buying seats for a care home
Statistics show that around 15% of people aged 85 or over in the UK are now living in care homes, which means that these facilities are growing in importance. As such, it's essential that the seats in care homes meet the varied needs of elderly residents. These are some factors to consider.
Do they provide back support?
Back pain is a very common condition that elderly people experience and it's something that needs to be considered when buying chairs and sofas for their use. Just as beds for care homes have to have very firm mattresses to protect residents with back issues, seats must offer equal lumbar support.
At Reinforced Beds, we stock a range of high back chairs and sofas like the Alexander Chair and the Extreme Opal Sofa. These provide sturdy and comfortable support for the back, making them ideal for a care home.
Are they suitable for dementia sufferers?
Dementia is a disease that afflicts over 850,000 people in this country, with 1 out of every 6 people aged over 80 having the condition. Many elderly dementia sufferers will be living in a care home, which means that the seating – both in shared public areas and private bedrooms – must be suitable for them.
Dementia can cause confused sufferers to damage furniture that is not robust enough, but choosing extreme chairs and sofas will help to prevent that. Equally, all chairs need to be solidly constructed, as rickety ones that rock unexpectedly can unsettle people with dementia. All of this makes reinforced seating the most sensible choice.
Do they add to the visual appeal?
While practicality is the priority when it comes to picking care home seating, it is also important not to neglect visual appeal. Residents will be there most of the time, so the furniture should add to the bright and welcoming look. Items such as the Deepdale Chair with arm pads are perfect for the communal lounge areas of a care home and come in a range of different colours and fabrics, so there is an option to fit any décor.
Choosing the colour of the seats is not just about creating an attractive look, however. A resident with dementia can have difficulty distinguishing between objects that are similarly coloured. For that reason, it is a good idea to pick shades for the furniture that stand out clearly against the room furnishings.
If you are looking for sturdy and safe seating for a care home in a variety of colours and styles, Reinforced Beds can supply everything you need!