How to choose the right furniture for the elderly
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.
Listen to what they want
Listen to what they want don't just go with your first thought or impulse, for example, if they want to sit down in front of a television, but can't reach it, there are ways around this including putting one on top of another or adding shelves with storage below them that would work well - just make sure whatever solution is found will be sturdy enough to handle being sat upon.
When it comes to bed placement, always think about the individual's needs - if they need more space in their bedroom due to limited mobility, then make sure any furniture that will be used doesn't limit movement.
Be sure to have a plan for where the furniture will be placed
There should be plenty of space in the home so that everything can easily be reachable by steps or stairs. For example, if the elderly are going to use their bed as a couch, and they need it on an upper level, there needs to be enough room between the lower levels for them to go back and forth without struggling too much.
If someone has difficulty walking up and down stairs as many elderly people do, then having furniture at ground level may not work out well because of how difficult it might become over time with both sitting and standing from this height. Having furniture at the same height as staircases will make it easier for them to get around. There should be space on either side of any stairs so that a person can grab onto something if they need help getting up and down.
If someone has difficulty walking, then having lower levels of furniture may work out better because they won't have to go back and forth from the top floors too much, which would be more difficult than trying to walk higher distances with their limited energy resources.
Know your budget
The cost of furniture can vary from store to store, but this doesn't mean one should automatically assume more expensive means higher quality materials (although this may sometimes be true). It's better if you compare prices between different stores, so you know what would work best instead.
Keep in mind that there are often hidden costs tacked on later down the road after signing contracts with furniture stores that may not be mentioned beforehand, which can make prices seem more expensive than they are. For example, some stores will charge extra if they have to unscrew or assemble any pieces themselves instead of having it done by professionals. It should always be mentioned beforehand in order to avoid any surprises later down the road
One way to avoid these issues is if the store offers free delivery and installation of new furniture for you! This will save time, money, and energy from having to do it yourself, which would often take a lot longer without even knowing how to assemble anything properly or where pieces might go before getting started.
When it comes to shopping for the elderly, many people feel like they're walking on eggshells as they try and navigate what's best. You may know someone who is getting older, or you might be caring for an aging loved one of your own. The last thing we want is for our elders to live a life without independence - but how do we balance that with their need for assistance? Hopefully, these tips will help guide you in making thoughtful decisions about furniture purchases!