Comfortable and Practical Furniture in Elderly Homes - How Should One Approach Furnishing?

Creating a comfortable and functional environment in an elderly home is a balancing act between aesthetics, comfort, and practical durability. The furniture plays a central role in this work, as they should be not only beautiful and inviting but also meet the needs of the residents and be easy to maintain from a care hygiene perspective.

Why is furniture important in elderly homes?

The furniture in an elderly home has a significant impact on the well-being of both the residents and the staff. They should not only be comfortable and functional but also contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. At the same time, they must be easy to clean and maintain to meet the requirements of care hygiene. Finding the right balance between comfort and practical functionality is therefore crucial.

How should one approach furnishing an elderly home?

When furnishing an elderly home, it is important to consider both the residents' needs and the practical aspects of care hygiene.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The furniture should be comfortable and adapted to the residents' physical needs.
Ergonomic chairs and sofas - Choose furniture that provides support and is easy to sit in and get up from.
Height-adjustable tables - Adjust the height of the tables according to the residents' needs, especially for those who use a wheelchair.
Soft and supportive seat cushions - Ensure that seat cushions are comfortable but not too soft, as it can make it difficult to get up.

Care Hygiene and Maintenance

Care hygiene is an important factor to consider when choosing furniture.
Upholstery - Choose furniture with upholstery that can withstand cleaning. Avoid vinyl upholstery as it is uncomfortable and also very tight/unpleasant to sit on.
Water-resistant materials - Avoid materials that can be damaged by liquid or are difficult to clean.
Durable constructions - Choose furniture that is durable and can withstand regular cleaning.

Aesthetics and Comfort

A warm and inviting atmosphere is important for the residents' well-being.
Colorful and inviting colors - Use colors and patterns that create a positive and comfortable atmosphere.
Personal touches - In their own apartment, the resident furnishes with their own furniture to create a feeling of home.
Common areas - Create common areas that are inviting and encourage social interaction.

Functionality and Accessibility

The furniture should be practical and adapted to the residents' needs.
Spacious and open spaces - Ensure that there is enough space for wheelchairs and hinges.
Easily movable furniture - Choose furniture that is easy to move to create flexibility in the space.
Customized solutions - Adapt the furniture to the residents' individual needs, for example with extra support or adjusted heights.

Reflection Questions - Furnishings

Care Staff
- How do you experience the balance between comfort and care hygiene in the residence's furnishing?
- What challenges do you see when it comes to combining aesthetics and practical functionality?

Manager, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, and Physiotherapist
- How do you view the significance of furnishing for the residents' well-being?
- How can you work to find a good balance between comfort and care hygiene?

Furniture and Fire Safety

Fire safety is an important factor to consider when choosing furniture for a nursing home. Since many residents may have limited mobility or need extra time to evacuate, it is especially important to minimize fire risks. Here are some important considerations when it comes to furniture and fire safety:
Fire-rated materials – Choose furniture that is made of fire-resistant materials and that meets applicable fire safety requirements.
Avoid flammable materials – Avoid furniture with flammable materials, such as certain types of textiles or wood.
Furniture placement – Make sure furniture does not block escape routes or fire extinguishers.
Smoke development – Choose materials that do not develop toxic smoke in the event of a fire, as smoke is one of the greatest dangers in a fire.
Regular inspection – Regularly check that the furniture is in good condition and does not pose a fire risk, for example through wear and tear or improper use.

By considering fire safety when choosing and placing furniture, you can reduce the risk of fire and create a safer environment for both residents and staff.

Resident and Relatives
- Do you find the residence's furnishing comfortable and functional?
- How do you experience the balance between aesthetics and practical functionality in the residence?

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better care every day