Furniture Safety: A Guide for Seniors Aging in Place
Home care can help protect seniors from potential accidents from poor quality furniture.
Ensuring that the living environment of seniors who opt to live in place meets their evolving needs is more than just clearing the clutter and putting in handrails in the bathroom. Furniture safety is also essential, but it doesn’t get the same attention as other safety measures. The fact is that every item of furniture, including beds, tables, and chairs, could be a hazard for seniors, which is why it is vital for home care and loved ones to work together to ensure proper safety.
Understanding Stability
Stability needs to be the primary consideration when choosing furniture for seniors or ensuring the furniture in the home is safe to use. When purchasing new furniture, loved ones should select items with strong construction that can accommodate the senior’s weight and range of motion. For assessing current furniture in the home, both loved ones and home care providers can assess stability every so often and remove items that might not be safe.
Pay Attention to Height
Furniture height greatly impacts how easy it is for seniors to use. The height of couches and chairs should be such that standing up and sitting down are easy. The same is true for beds, allowing seniors to easily get into bed without fear of falling down. For seniors with increased mobility issues, loved ones might consider seating that moves with seniors as they sit down or stand up.
Accessibility and Clearance
It’s important to make sure there is adequate space around furniture for seniors to move about securely, particularly if they are using wheelchairs or walkers as mobility aids. Home care workers can suggest arranging furniture to minimize the chance of tripping or running into barriers and provide open pathways throughout the house.
Non-Slip Solutions
Seniors are more vulnerable to falls and injuries on slick surfaces. Because of this, it might be a good idea to purchase non-slip mats or pads to place beneath furniture legs and rugs to prevent them from sliding.
Comfort and Support
Seniors who spend a lot of time sitting down need comfortable seating. To encourage excellent posture and lower their risk of experiencing pain or discomfort, loved ones should look for couches and chairs with plenty of cushioning and appropriate back support.
Regular Maintenance
Furniture deterioration over time may pose a risk to safety. Home care services can regularly check furniture for evidence of instability or damage, such as frayed upholstery or weak joints. As mentioned above, removing these items is key, especially when there are safety issues involved.
Modular and Adjustable Options
To adapt to changing needs, loved ones should consider furniture with features that are either modular or adjustable. Additionally, for seniors with different levels of mobility, adjustable-height beds or chairs with detachable armrests can offer flexibility and support. Home care providers can assist loved ones with various resources and suggestions.
Seniors who choose to age in place must prioritize furniture safety. With the help of loved ones and home care services, appropriate furniture can be chosen that is sturdy, easily accessible, and safe for years to come.
If you or someone you know needs help with Home Care in Grand Rapids, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 560-4057 for more information.
Sources:
- https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/12/safe-senior-friendly-living-room
- https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/home-safety-older-adults/
- https://advanseniorcare.com/2024/01/24/finding-the-right-furniture-for-senior-safety-and-comfort
- https://agefearlessacademy.com/furniture-for-seniors/
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