Comfort is all that matters when a loved one is placed in residential care. It’s true, the little things in life are the things that matter most to those in our care. This can include the big decisions as well as the smaller details. However, the truth is…
Families often forget one of the most important comfort factors of all…
Seating.
A proper chair makes all the difference to a resident’s quality of life. The wrong chair, however, will contribute to pain and pressure injuries and can even increase the risk of serious falls.
In this guide, we will cover:
- Why Comfort Is More Important Than You Think
- The Hidden Dangers of the Wrong Seating
- What To Look For In Care Home Furniture
- Simple Tips For Making Your Loved One More Comfortable Each Day
Why Comfort Is More Important Than You Think
Did you know that your loved one is likely to spend most of their waking hours sitting down? It’s true. So, their chair is one of the most important pieces of equipment they will use in their care setting.
When selecting nursing home chairs for care settings, it is important that residents have the proper support for their posture. This is not a luxury, but a necessity for their health and wellbeing.
If the wrong chair is used, residents will slide down in the seat. Their posture will collapse. Pressure will build up in certain areas. Pain will be experienced.
Comfort is about more than simply “feeling nice”. Studies have shown that appropriate seating can lead to:
- Better respiratory function
- Improved digestion
- Greater social interaction
- Increased independence
Pretty important, right?
When residents are comfortable and supported, they are more likely to participate in activities and socialise with others. They are able to maintain their dignity. They enjoy a better quality of life.
The Hidden Dangers of the Wrong Seating
Falls are one of the greatest risks to care home residents.
Statistics from NHS Scotland state that people living in care homes are 3 times more likely to suffer a fall than those in their own home. The results of these falls are also more likely to be serious.
One of the most common places that falls occur is around seating.
Here’s why…
Standard chairs and seating were not designed with elderly bodies in mind. The seat depth is often too long. The height is not right. The arm support is inadequate for getting up safely.
As a result of the poor design, residents will struggle to stand. They will lose their balance while transferring in and out of their seats. Residents will slide forward and slip right off the seat.
Falls aren’t the only danger in care homes.
Pressure injuries are a huge problem. After all, when someone sits in an unsuitable chair for hours at a time, pressure builds up on their skin and soft tissues. Painful ulcers can form which take months to heal.
Pressure injuries are largely preventable with the right seating.
What To Look For In Care Home Furniture
Care home chairs and seating are not all the same. Some are better than others. The best solutions meet multiple needs all at once.
Care home furniture should provide comfort, safety and support all while allowing residents to remain independent for as long as possible.
Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing seating for a loved one:
Adjustable Seat Height
Seat height should be adjustable. Residents all have different needs. Some chairs are too low. This means that it is difficult for a resident to stand from the chair. If a chair is too high, the resident’s feet dangle and circulation is cut off.
The ideal seat height allows the resident to place their feet flat on the ground for a stable base when they transfer to and from the chair.
Proper Seat Depth
Seat depth is often overlooked but can make a big difference to a resident’s comfort. If the seat is too deep, the resident won’t be able to use the backrest properly. As a result, they will slump forward or slide down to find support.
Seat depth should support the thighs without pressing against the back of the knee.
Supportive Armrests
Armrests that are strong and well-positioned are vital for sitting and standing safely. They should extend to the front edge of the seat to give the resident some leverage as they rise.
Armrests should never be flimsy. They must be strong and well-positioned.
Pressure Distribution
Good quality care home seating will distribute a person’s weight evenly across the sitting surface. The aim is to reduce the risk of pressure points which can lead to skin breakdown.
Some chairs come with additional pressure-relieving technology for those at higher risk.
Easy Maintenance
Care environments need furniture that is easy to maintain. Chairs with removable and washable covers are ideal. Wipe-clean surfaces make infection control much easier.
Simple Ways To Improve Your Loved One’s Daily Comfort
Choosing the right chair is only the first step to ensuring a loved one is as comfortable as they can be in care. The other “little things” can make all the difference too.
Talk To The Care Team
Communication with the care team is vital. It is important to talk about any issues or concerns with comfort that a loved one may have. The care staff will be able to carry out a seating assessment and arrange for adjustments to be made as necessary.
Never assume everything is ok because nobody has raised any concerns.
Watch For Warning Signs
When visiting a loved one, watch carefully. Does your loved one look like they are slouching in their chair? Do they appear uncomfortable? Do they seem like they struggle to get up?
Warning signs such as these often mean that the chair they are using is not suitable.
Personal Items
Don’t be afraid to add small personal touches to make a chair more comfortable for your loved one. A favourite cushion from home can provide extra support but also comfort. The added benefit is that it makes the care environment feel less institutional.
It is important to check with the care staff first. They can advise if it is safe and practical to use.
Positioning
It doesn’t matter how great a chair is if it is not used correctly. Your loved one should be positioned correctly in their chair. They should sit with their bottom at the back of the seat and their feet supported.
It’s a small adjustment, but one that can prevent a lot of problems.
Encourage Movement
It is never good to sit in one position for a long time. Encourage a loved one to change their position regularly and move around throughout the day.
Even small movements and adjustments can help.
Bringing It All Together
Comforting a loved one in care doesn’t have to involve large gestures.
Instead, it is all about the little things that directly impact their daily life in the care environment. Seating may seem like a small detail, but it has an impact on everything from safety to being able to socialise with others.
The right chair can support a resident’s independence. It will also reduce the risk of falls and painful pressure injuries. The right chair will even allow them to participate in activities and interact with others comfortably.
Let’s summarise:
- Proper seating is essential for health and wellbeing, not just comfort
- Falls and pressure injuries can be avoided with the right equipment
- Adjustable features ensure chairs fit individual needs
- Communication with care staff will help identify and solve problems
- Small personal touches can have a big impact on a loved one’s wellbeing
Time spent on these little things shows loved ones that they still matter. It is a way to demonstrate that their comfort and dignity continue to be priorities even as their care needs change.
And that’s what matters the most.