How to Select Furniture Appropriate for Older Adults

It may not be one of the first things that families or caregivers think about, but the type of furnishings used in the home can improve the quality of life for an elderly individual. Sitting in a chair or getting in and out of bed isn't as easy for older people who may no longer be able to move as well as they could when they were younger. Furniture needs to be accessible, yet at the same time not take up a lot of space in order to keep the person's living environment free of clutter to prevent falls and injury.

Instructions

1. Choose chairs with arms, which make it easier for older adults to push themselves up from a sitting position. A love seat is a better choice than a sofa because it seats only two people, giving each person at least one arm for support. High back kitchen and dining room chairs help to prevent falling backward when rising to a standing position.

2. Select furnishings that are well designed. Avoid chairs, tables and end stands that are lightweight and move too easily. The arms of chairs need to be built to take a lot of wear and tear. Older individuals often grasp the arms while lowering themselves into a sitting position or use the arms of a chair as leverage to push themselves up when standing.

3. Shop for furnishings that meet the individual's needs. People who use wheelchairs need tables to be tall enough to accommodate the wheelchair height. For individuals who are visually impaired, large television screens and computer monitors can be a real asset. Large print keyboards are also available.

4. Stay away from tables and stands that have sharp corners. Rounded corners are safest. Likewise, low overstuffed chairs may look comfortable, but they can make sitting and standing difficult for an older person due to the amount of bending that is required. Chairs should have comfortable cushioning and arms that extend over the edge of the chair cushion, providing more upper body support for people whose legs may be weakened from age.

5. Increase visual contrast. Furniture, floors and walls in similar colors increase the risk of an older individual falling. Walls that are set apart from flooring and upholstery fabrics provide visual cues, which can help a person with poor eyesight distinguish shapes and depth.

6. Raise a bed if it is too low, making it difficult to get into. Use a sturdy bedside step stool to get into and out of a bed that is too high. Choose a mattress with a firm edge. A good rule of thumb when it comes to the height of a bed is that feet should be resting firmly on the floor when the person is seated on the side of the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Place furniture strategically. Take into account the daily traffic patterns in the home. Furnishings should not obstruct walkways. Allow plenty of room for walking.

• Don't use throw carpets to improve contrast, no matter how attractive they look. Throw carpets are common fall hazards. Low pile wall-to-wall carpet is usually the safest flooring surface for an older adult, especially for someone who uses a cane or walker.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults