Furniture
The types of furniture chosen for a facility can impact on a person's mobility and, therefore, their independence. Furniture is also a safety concern for the elderly because older people are often prone to falls due to general weakening as a person ages.
Here are some things to keep in mind regarding furniture in a facility: - Lightweight chairs with high arms will help a person move the chair while seated in it.
- The arms of chairs need to extend to the edge of the seat to facilitate pushing off. Chair arms should have flat tops and ends designed for grasping.
- A high back on a chair will decrease the chance of falling backward for those people who rock to get out of a chair.
- A seating height of 17-18 inches and a seating depth of 18-19 inches will allow a person's feet to touch the ground without putting pressure behind their knees.
- The bottoms of chairs should be open so a person's feet can be tucked underneath as their weight is shifted forward to stand.
- Chairs with casters are unsafe and should not be used.
- Furnishings should be stable, with rounded corners for safety.
- A round table with a sturdy pedestal base will allow more seating space with the ability to adjust for wheelchairs.
- A variety of heights should be available for counters and shelves.
- Mattresses should have firm edges to make getting in and out of bed easier and decrease the occurence of falls.
- Beds should be set up so that when seated at the side of the bed, a person's feet will rest firmly on the floor with their legs at right angles.
- Use an attachable handrail on beds when needed. The handrail should attach securely to the frame, be height-adjustable, and swivel and lock in place.
- Consider alternatives to standard spring and coil mattresses, such as an "opencell" foam mattress or a large-celled alternating pressure mattress, in facilities where pressure ulcers may be a concern. Sheepskin pads or rubberized sheets with a soft backing can also be used.
For information related to furniture, also see colors, noise control, comfort, and mobility.
Further reading on the topic of furniture can be found in:Elderdesign: Home Modifications for Enhanced Safety and Self-Care. Author:Rosemary Bakker. The Care Management Journals, 1999. pp. 47-54.
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