When it comes to designing spaces for senior living facilities and specifying senior living furniture, some unique challenges and opportunities need to be taken into consideration. Care homes and assisted living spaces need spaces created with comfort, safety, and elegance for elderly residents as a priority. In this article, we'll explore key aspects of specifying furniture for senior living, ensuring a harmonious and enriching environment for the young at heart.
One of the essential principles in designing for senior living is embracing age-friendly design. Designers need to consider the specific needs and challenges that come with ageing, including mobility issues and sensory changes. Every component of the design from fabric choices to floor plan will need to be addressed to contribute to a seamless and safe living experience.
One of the essential principles in designing for senior living is embracing age-friendly design. Designers need to consider the specific needs and challenges that come with ageing, including mobility issues and sensory changes. Every component of the design from fabric choices to floor plan will need to be addressed to contribute to a seamless and safe living experience.
So, what is senior living contract furniture?
Senior living contract furniture is a unique subset of the contract furniture industry. There are specific safety and comfort features that are inherent to this kind of furniture across a range of products from sofas and chairs to beds and storage.
Folks in assisted living communities, retirement homes, and independent living facilities will benefit from the special care and attention required to specify senior living furniture - particularly factors of seat height, seat depth, armrests on chairs, upholstery choices, furniture weight, and robustness, to name a few.
Senior living contract furniture is a unique subset of the contract furniture industry. There are specific safety and comfort features that are inherent to this kind of furniture across a range of products from sofas and chairs to beds and storage.
Folks in assisted living communities, retirement homes, and independent living facilities will benefit from the special care and attention required to specify senior living furniture - particularly factors of seat height, seat depth, armrests on chairs, upholstery choices, furniture weight, and robustness, to name a few.
Let’s talk about senior living furniture specification
Comfort and accessibility are of crucial importance when it comes to senior care homes. Designing for independence and free movement is a game-changer for care home residents. Not only does it allow them to get around more easily, but it’s also a great morale boost to feel more independent. An understanding of senior living furniture specifications, such as optimal seat height, is paramount to helping achieve this.
Comfort and accessibility are of crucial importance when it comes to senior care homes. Designing for independence and free movement is a game-changer for care home residents. Not only does it allow them to get around more easily, but it’s also a great morale boost to feel more independent. An understanding of senior living furniture specifications, such as optimal seat height, is paramount to helping achieve this.
When you’re specifying senior living furniture there are a few approaches you can take to bring your vision to life.
Interior designers have the option to choose products from our standard range of furniture that are relatively more suited for senior living. That is standard furniture with similar attributes or specifications for seniors - for instance, seat height, depth, and width that match recommendations for senior living.
Another option is to select products from Bestar Hospitality’s standard range that can be adapted for use in the senior living sector. This option gives designers more flexibility in achieving the hospitality look and feel, but with improved suitability for senior citizens. This is a good option for projects where the senior living-specific look doesn’t quite match your vision but you still need to ensure the furniture serves its primary purpose of enriching their living experience. Speak with our knowledgeable sales team to see if a product can be adapted and if there are minimum order quantities that apply.
Lastly, interior designers can choose from our dedicated line of senior living furniture. This is furniture that has been purpose-built with healthcare, care homes, and the needs of the ageing and elderly in mind - from seat height to upholstery choices to furniture footprint, it takes the guesswork out of choosing the right options for your next senior living project.
Interior designers have the option to choose products from our standard range of furniture that are relatively more suited for senior living. That is standard furniture with similar attributes or specifications for seniors - for instance, seat height, depth, and width that match recommendations for senior living.
Another option is to select products from Bestar Hospitality’s standard range that can be adapted for use in the senior living sector. This option gives designers more flexibility in achieving the hospitality look and feel, but with improved suitability for senior citizens. This is a good option for projects where the senior living-specific look doesn’t quite match your vision but you still need to ensure the furniture serves its primary purpose of enriching their living experience. Speak with our knowledgeable sales team to see if a product can be adapted and if there are minimum order quantities that apply.
Lastly, interior designers can choose from our dedicated line of senior living furniture. This is furniture that has been purpose-built with healthcare, care homes, and the needs of the ageing and elderly in mind - from seat height to upholstery choices to furniture footprint, it takes the guesswork out of choosing the right options for your next senior living project.
Choosing the correct seat height for comfort and accessibility
Mobility becomes a challenge as we age. Movements that were normal before become exceedingly difficult tasks. Designers must account for the considerable amount of effort that it takes to stand up or sit down from a chair, sofa, or bench. Conventional furniture would typically have a lower seat height than is needed to accommodate use in an assisted living facility. Standard seat height requirements vary depending on the application and keeping the primary purpose in mind will help to determine what your specifications should be.
When you’re specifying furniture for senior living opt for a higher seat so residents have less distance to travel when sitting down or standing up. Choose a seat height that is 45-51 cm (18”-20”) high - this will make a big difference in a chair’s usability. Another option to cater to individuals' needs by choosing chairs with customisable or adjustable seat heights for a seamless and comfortable experience.
Mobility becomes a challenge as we age. Movements that were normal before become exceedingly difficult tasks. Designers must account for the considerable amount of effort that it takes to stand up or sit down from a chair, sofa, or bench. Conventional furniture would typically have a lower seat height than is needed to accommodate use in an assisted living facility. Standard seat height requirements vary depending on the application and keeping the primary purpose in mind will help to determine what your specifications should be.
When you’re specifying furniture for senior living opt for a higher seat so residents have less distance to travel when sitting down or standing up. Choose a seat height that is 45-51 cm (18”-20”) high - this will make a big difference in a chair’s usability. Another option to cater to individuals' needs by choosing chairs with customisable or adjustable seat heights for a seamless and comfortable experience.
What are the ideal seat dimensions for senior living chairs?
We’ve talked about seat height and how important that is for improving mobility and quality of life, but equally important considerations need to be made for seat depth and seat width when you’re specifying furniture for care homes.
Seat depth should be deep enough that it provides enough stability, but not so much that users will be leaning back or slouching to support themselves. It should allow people to sit upright with their hips at a 90-degree angle. Seat width should be wide enough that it allows for comfortable seating as well as proper circulation.
To make furniture accessible and comfortable, seat depth and seat width for senior living furniture should be approximately 46-51 cm (19”-20”) deep and at least 50 cm (19.5”) wide, although these measurements may vary. Keeping these dimensions in mind for your furniture will promote better health and mobility for elderly users by supporting their upper and lower body properly.
We’ve talked about seat height and how important that is for improving mobility and quality of life, but equally important considerations need to be made for seat depth and seat width when you’re specifying furniture for care homes.
Seat depth should be deep enough that it provides enough stability, but not so much that users will be leaning back or slouching to support themselves. It should allow people to sit upright with their hips at a 90-degree angle. Seat width should be wide enough that it allows for comfortable seating as well as proper circulation.
To make furniture accessible and comfortable, seat depth and seat width for senior living furniture should be approximately 46-51 cm (19”-20”) deep and at least 50 cm (19.5”) wide, although these measurements may vary. Keeping these dimensions in mind for your furniture will promote better health and mobility for elderly users by supporting their upper and lower body properly.
Optimal furniture arrangement for easy movement
Because elderly people may have issues with declining balance and mobility it’s important to consider the layout of your space. Is there enough room for the use of assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes? Clear pathways and avoid clutter to ensure a more positive experience navigating the room. When you’re designing for a senior living facility you’ll need to keep the footprint of the furniture in mind.
Bestar Hospitality has the option to filter searches by footprint so you can dial in your searches and choose the senior living furniture that is most ideal for your design brief. Allow for ample space around key areas like beds and seating to ensure a comfortable and accessible environment. But don’t forget the furniture you choose may also be used as a way for people to hold on and keep their balance. Striking a balance with the space between furniture pieces seems like a small detail, but it can have a big impact.
Because elderly people may have issues with declining balance and mobility it’s important to consider the layout of your space. Is there enough room for the use of assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes? Clear pathways and avoid clutter to ensure a more positive experience navigating the room. When you’re designing for a senior living facility you’ll need to keep the footprint of the furniture in mind.
Bestar Hospitality has the option to filter searches by footprint so you can dial in your searches and choose the senior living furniture that is most ideal for your design brief. Allow for ample space around key areas like beds and seating to ensure a comfortable and accessible environment. But don’t forget the furniture you choose may also be used as a way for people to hold on and keep their balance. Striking a balance with the space between furniture pieces seems like a small detail, but it can have a big impact.
Within the "Senior Living Furniture" section of our product catalogue, we've also built custom filters to dial in your search results based on the most relevant attributes for designing an elderly-focused space. Things like handle slots, adjustable footrests and recliner backrests are features that will contribute to the comfort and enjoyment of the furniture ensuring you choose the right furniture for your senior living project.
Armrests for user-friendly and supportive senior living furniture
Well-designed arms on chairs will ensure proper support and will play a key role in ensuring chairs are user-friendly for elderly individuals. Let’s explore factors like height, grip, and angle and how they will enhance the overall experience of care home furniture.
Armrests on chairs for senior living need to serve multiple functions. As we’ve already discussed, mobility is an issue the older we get, so having sturdy armrests that people can hold onto is not just for comfort, but for safety as well.
Armrests that are high and extend to the edge of the seat will also provide strong support for sitting down and standing up. With arms that are positioned properly, elderly people will have more independence and need less intervention to help them stand or sit from care home staff. Designs that are lower at the back than the front are preferred. It’s recommended to have the back of the armrest extend 25 cm from the seat and 73 cm from the floor on the front.
The shape of the arms is important. Select designs with rounded edges as sharp edges can pose a safety hazard.
Well-designed arms on chairs will ensure proper support and will play a key role in ensuring chairs are user-friendly for elderly individuals. Let’s explore factors like height, grip, and angle and how they will enhance the overall experience of care home furniture.
Armrests on chairs for senior living need to serve multiple functions. As we’ve already discussed, mobility is an issue the older we get, so having sturdy armrests that people can hold onto is not just for comfort, but for safety as well.
Armrests that are high and extend to the edge of the seat will also provide strong support for sitting down and standing up. With arms that are positioned properly, elderly people will have more independence and need less intervention to help them stand or sit from care home staff. Designs that are lower at the back than the front are preferred. It’s recommended to have the back of the armrest extend 25 cm from the seat and 73 cm from the floor on the front.
The shape of the arms is important. Select designs with rounded edges as sharp edges can pose a safety hazard.
Upholstery and fabric selection for senior living furniture
Choosing the right fabric for senior living furniture is about a lot more than just aesthetics. It impacts the longevity of the furniture, the comfort of the care home residents, and last, but not least, hygiene. Whether the upholstery choice is meant to simplify maintenance or to improve comfort, it’s important to consider its qualities for the daily lives of the users and the people caring for them.
Waterproof materials and stain-resistant upholstery will ensure furniture isn’t permanently damaged. It will make cleaning and maintenance easier and more effective and ultimately will ensure the furniture lasts longer.
There are also upholstery ranges that are designed specifically for the healthcare sector. There may be some aesthetic limitations to some healthcare fabrics, but they serve the purpose of being durable, waterproof, or facilitating hygienic conditions. For a lower maintenance option inquire about this specific kind of upholstery.
Choosing the right fabric for senior living furniture is about a lot more than just aesthetics. It impacts the longevity of the furniture, the comfort of the care home residents, and last, but not least, hygiene. Whether the upholstery choice is meant to simplify maintenance or to improve comfort, it’s important to consider its qualities for the daily lives of the users and the people caring for them.
Waterproof materials and stain-resistant upholstery will ensure furniture isn’t permanently damaged. It will make cleaning and maintenance easier and more effective and ultimately will ensure the furniture lasts longer.
There are also upholstery ranges that are designed specifically for the healthcare sector. There may be some aesthetic limitations to some healthcare fabrics, but they serve the purpose of being durable, waterproof, or facilitating hygienic conditions. For a lower maintenance option inquire about this specific kind of upholstery.
Specifying tables for senior living furniture
We’ve spoken a lot about seating options but tables are another component that is important for comfort and independence for senior citizens.
Tables with legs at the corners will provide better stability compared to a table with a central column. This is helpful to keep in mind as elderly folks may use the table to steady themselves as they stand. A table with a central column could pose a tipping hazard which could lead to injury.
Table height should be a comfortable height compared to the chairs. As with seating areas, tables get a lot of usage in senior care homes and ensuring stability and comfort will go a long way in helping residents feel at ease.
Round tables are advisable for both comfort and safety. The rounded shape, (and rounded edges, ideally) will be less likely to cause injury if someone has a bump or a fall.
In the same vein, always avoid glass tabletops. They are, again, a safety hazard and could cause serious harm in the case of a fall. The reflective surface could also pose a visual impedance that may negatively affect someone’s enjoyment of the space.
We’ve spoken a lot about seating options but tables are another component that is important for comfort and independence for senior citizens.
Tables with legs at the corners will provide better stability compared to a table with a central column. This is helpful to keep in mind as elderly folks may use the table to steady themselves as they stand. A table with a central column could pose a tipping hazard which could lead to injury.
Table height should be a comfortable height compared to the chairs. As with seating areas, tables get a lot of usage in senior care homes and ensuring stability and comfort will go a long way in helping residents feel at ease.
Round tables are advisable for both comfort and safety. The rounded shape, (and rounded edges, ideally) will be less likely to cause injury if someone has a bump or a fall.
In the same vein, always avoid glass tabletops. They are, again, a safety hazard and could cause serious harm in the case of a fall. The reflective surface could also pose a visual impedance that may negatively affect someone’s enjoyment of the space.
Challenges and solutions with senior living furniture
As with any space you’re designing, budget is a factor that needs to be considered. Although there are budget-friendly options for senior living furniture jobs, you may also want to think longer-term.
Seating in care homes gets a lot of use so wear and tear is inevitable. Everything from frequent use to spills means the furniture you invest in will be well-used. Contract furniture is inherently more robust than retail furniture and can take significantly more use, but you can choose furniture with a solid frame, such as metal or hardwood, and specific upholstery material that is waterproof, stain resistant, easy to clean and with a high Martindale rub count so that your investment goes the distance.
Implementing some of the ideas above may cost a little more upfront but will save you loads in the long run, with lower maintenance expenses, and giving your senior living furniture a longer lifespan so you have to replace items less frequently.
Overcoming budgetary constraints and educating stakeholders about the value of investing in senior living furniture are crucial aspects of completing a design job in an assisted living residence. Putting forth budget-friendly options while fostering understanding among facility owners is key to ensuring success.
As with any space you’re designing, budget is a factor that needs to be considered. Although there are budget-friendly options for senior living furniture jobs, you may also want to think longer-term.
Seating in care homes gets a lot of use so wear and tear is inevitable. Everything from frequent use to spills means the furniture you invest in will be well-used. Contract furniture is inherently more robust than retail furniture and can take significantly more use, but you can choose furniture with a solid frame, such as metal or hardwood, and specific upholstery material that is waterproof, stain resistant, easy to clean and with a high Martindale rub count so that your investment goes the distance.
Implementing some of the ideas above may cost a little more upfront but will save you loads in the long run, with lower maintenance expenses, and giving your senior living furniture a longer lifespan so you have to replace items less frequently.
Overcoming budgetary constraints and educating stakeholders about the value of investing in senior living furniture are crucial aspects of completing a design job in an assisted living residence. Putting forth budget-friendly options while fostering understanding among facility owners is key to ensuring success.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of considerations when you’re designing a senior care space. The focus should be on ergonomics, comfort, and creating a space where residents can feel independent. That being said, you shouldn't have to compromise on good design to achieve these things.
Bestar Hospitality has many options for furniture that can be created from our existing range of senior living furniture products. You could also opt to customise items from our standard range of furniture or find items that match your senior living needs from our regular range of furniture. Because contract furniture is typically made to measure, there are a lot of customisations that you can select to achieve your desired aesthetic without compromising on comfort and safety.
Specialised furniture, such as senior living furniture, plays a vital role in keeping seniors in care homes safe, comfortable, and independent. Investing in thoughtful design, putting yourself in the shoes of a senior citizen and keeping their needs top of mind will contribute to a better quality of life for the young at heart.
As you can see, there are a lot of considerations when you’re designing a senior care space. The focus should be on ergonomics, comfort, and creating a space where residents can feel independent. That being said, you shouldn't have to compromise on good design to achieve these things.
Bestar Hospitality has many options for furniture that can be created from our existing range of senior living furniture products. You could also opt to customise items from our standard range of furniture or find items that match your senior living needs from our regular range of furniture. Because contract furniture is typically made to measure, there are a lot of customisations that you can select to achieve your desired aesthetic without compromising on comfort and safety.
Specialised furniture, such as senior living furniture, plays a vital role in keeping seniors in care homes safe, comfortable, and independent. Investing in thoughtful design, putting yourself in the shoes of a senior citizen and keeping their needs top of mind will contribute to a better quality of life for the young at heart.
As a top custom furniture manufacturer in China, Bestar Hospitality offers a unique and compelling senior living furniture offering for common areas.