Choosing the right furniture for the elderly can be a difficult task. The many different types of disabilities and health conditions that accompany old age mean that no two people are going to have exactly the same needs. However, there are some general guidelines on choosing the best furniture available to help you out. This article will talk about how you can choose the most appropriate furniture for your elderly loved one!
Find out the person's living situation
The first thing you need to do is find out the person's living situation. This will help you determine what kind of furniture they'll need and how much space in their home each piece should take up.
For example, a senior who lives alone may not require as many chairs or extra seating for guests because they have no one else to visit them at home, but if they live in an assisted living home because they require assistance from time to time when doing things, then care home furniture like low-level couches and beds may be best.
If they're living with a spouse, then you'll need at least one bed in each bedroom and multiple chairs so that guests don't have to sit on the floor or stand during their visit. Kitchens will also require more space since two people are cooking instead of just one person.
Check for allergies
Start by checking for allergies and medical conditions, as they need to be factored in. If you know someone has a shellfish allergy, avoid upholstered pieces with tufted cushions or pillows that might be filled with feathers that could contain traces of the substance. Similarly, if your loved one is sensitive to certain fabrics (like wool), then choose easy-to-clean materials like vinyl instead.
If you're not sure about allergies or medical conditions, try to find out before you make a purchase.
Consider the person's physical abilities
Keep in mind that some people might not be able to get up on their own. While you can find many pieces that are lighter and easier to move, some people might not have use of their arms or legs. For these individuals, it's important to make sure there are steps available for them when they need assistance getting up from a chair (such as with a ramp) and that chairs fit at heights where they can easily reach them without needing another person present in order to get on top of one.
If this isn't possible, then look for items that come equipped with handles so that someone else may pull out an individual before pushing back again - such as couches or recliners.
If your elderly person has any difficulty hearing, then it's important to look for pieces that have a large surface area, so they can feel the vibrations when someone talks. If this is not possible, invest in some sort of sound amplification device, such as an electric alert clock or wireless speaker with volume controls and extra-loud alarms.
Additionally, take a look at the surface area of furniture items-make sure there are guards in place, so they don't slide off surfaces easily. Items should also have non-slip bottoms and rubber grips on feet to prevent injuries from falls, as well as cushions that can push against the chair back when sitting upright.
