Seating in aged care: Physical fit, independence and comfort

Abstract

Objectives:This research was intended to provide a greater understanding of the context and needs of aged care seating, specifically:To conduct an audit of typical chairs used in aged care facilities;To collect data about resident and staff experiences and behaviour around chairs in order to gain a deeper understanding of the exact issues that residents and staff have with the chairs they use at aged care facilities;To identify positive and negative issues influencing use of chairs in aged care facilities;To deliver evidence-based recommendations for the design of chairs for aged care facilities.Methods:Methods included a chair dimension audit, interviews with residents, experts and carers and observations of aged care residents getting into chairs, sitting in them and getting out.Results:Results showed that residents, experts and carers all prefer chairs which are above the recommended height for older people so that they will be able to get out of them more easily. Armrests were essential for ease of entry and egress. However, many residents struggled with chairs which were also too deep in the seat pan so that they could not easily touch the floor or sit comfortably and were forced to slump. Most residents used cushions and pillows to relieve discomfort where possible.Conclusion:The implications of these issues for chair design and selection are discussed. Variable height chairs, a range of chairs of different heights in each space and footrests could all address the height problem. Chair designers need to address the seat depth problem by reducing depth in most aged care specific chairs, even when they are higher. Armrests must be provided but could be made easier to grip. Addressing these issues would increase access to comfortable yet easy-to-use chairs for a wider range of the aged care population.

Perceived Usability of Seating in an Outpatient Waiting Area: A Combined Approach Utilizing Virtual Reality and Actual Seating Prototypes

“…Based on the results, seat stability as well as ability to support individuals within a wide age and size range were factors rated highly by participants in their evaluation of the actual seating. This is in keeping with previous studies that recognize the importance of seat stability in healthcare settings, especially for accommodating larger and older patients with mobility issues or chronic illnesses (Blackler et al, 2018;Malone & Dellinger, 2011). Studies have also suggested that provision of enough space under the seat for different foot positions can facilitate sit-to-stand transitions and therefore are considered a support feature especially among individuals who lack muscle strength (Kawagoe et al, 2000).…”

“…Also, some participants mentioned that presence of armrests was a desirable supporting feature during semi-structured interviews. The provision of armrests and their impact on perceived support has been emphasized as a crucial feature, especially for older populations (Blackler et al, 2018). This study also showed that the perceived support features in healthcare seats can vary depending on the type of task or activity being performed.…”

“…Lack of research regarding specifics of waiting room layout and furniture is evident in the 2018 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Outpatient Facilities, which provides detail no more than the need to have “seating for person of size” (Facility Guidelines Institute, 2018, p. 67-68). In a facility in Australia, interviews with 26 participants including aged care residents, staff members, and experts revealed that seat stability and supporting safe sit-to-stand transitions were among the desirable seat features mentioned by the participants (Blackler et al, 2018). Studies have also suggested that the space beneath healthcare seats should accommodate changes in foot position, especially among elderly patients and those who suffer from chronic illnesses or mobility issues (Farqalit & Shahnawaz, 2013; Kawagoe et al, 2000; Malone & Dellinger, 2011).…”

Active Ageing In Malaysia: Case Study In Georgetown

“…According toBlackler, Brophy, O'Reilly, and Chamorro-Koc (2018), walkers sticks are essential for most people in aged care and additionally, elderly individuals begin to use a walking stick due…”

The Complexities of Prescribing Assistive Equipment at the End of Life—Patient and Caregivers’ Perspectives

“…Assistive equipment may be used by patients and their caregivers and can include, but are not limited to, shower stools, over-toilet frames, wheelchairs, gait aids and hoists or patient lifters. However, prescription of AE must be considered alongside patients’ and caregivers’ needs and priorities [ 9 , 10 , 13 , 14 ].…”