Why the right furniture matters in care homes

According to the government’s own figures, the UK’s care homes sector is worth some £15.9bn a year. The country currently has around 410,000 residents living in these residential facilities, with roughly 5,500 separate providers running 11,3000 venues for elderly residents. So the industry makes a significant contribution to the national economy, is a hugely important niche – and growing all the time as more of us live for longer.

photo of an elderly man watching on his phone near a lamp

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Clearly, the standard and nature of the care received have a significant effect on a resident’s health, happiness and longevity.

If you run a facility like this, you should be aware that providing the best care includes having the right furniture. It has a direct impact on your residents’ safety, comfort and general wellbeing, especially for those experiencing dementia or mobility issues.

Here’s why:

It provides the right support for people, whether they’re sitting or lying down.
The right furniture can make daily activities more enjoyable and help prevent falls, for example when it’s at the right height and provides enough stability.
High-quality pieces also contribute to a feeling of familiarity and help people settle in to their new surroundings more quickly.
The best chair and bed designs provide good postural support, relieve pressure and make it easier for people to move.
Having nice items of furniture in the communal parts of a home encourages conversation and social interaction among residents, reducing feelings of isolation. Think about layout so that the environment you create is warm and welcoming.
Finally, pieces with surfaces which are easy to clean will help maintain good standards of hygiene in this type of environment. (This is clearly important in any setting in which many people are living together.)

Here are a couple of ideas to mention in particular:

Teak outdoor furniture

We all enjoy and benefit from the fresh air, and care home residents are no different. It’s well known that just being outside boosts our mental health, so it’s important to have the chance to catch the rays when you can.

Even a few steps around an garden or other open-air space can be hugely beneficial, whatever your age. And if residents can enjoy a spot of gardening, this is excellent exercise. A nice outdoor area also provides somewhere visitors can enjoy being with their loved ones as they perhaps accompany them on a short stroll around the garden.

You’ll also need some outdoor furnishings to make a patio, garden or similar complete, and to provide somewhere to rest during or after a walk or just a spot to enjoy the sunshine and a moment of quiet contemplation.

Luxury teak furniture is the ideal option in a setting like a care home since it’s durable and can last potentially decades with minimal maintenance. At the same time, it’s comfortable and sturdy and doesn’t heat up or ice over, plus you can leave it outside in all weathers knowing it won’t warp, split or rot. Apart from anything else, pieces in this glorious, sustainable hardwood just look stylishly smart and finish the look of an outdoor area.

Invest in your beds

Care home beds are also crucial, since they have a significant direct impact on residents’ quality of life, especially, again for those with mobility issues. The right bed will provide all necessary support, make repositioning easier and stop pressure sores from forming. Especially when someone is spending extended periods in bed, a comfortable model with the right mattress will make a real difference, including to their dignity. Finally, specialist beds with safety rails and similar features minimise fall risks, clearly essential if someone is frail or elderly.

So, if you’re aiming to improve your care home, refreshing its furnishings, indoors and outside, could be one of the best ways of doing just that.

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