This article provides the characteristics of healthcare furniture.
Hospitals, dentistry practices, and other similar facilities require the appropriate healthcare furniture beyond equipment. However, furnishing these places can be an overwhelming task. How does healthcare furniture support patient wellness and healing, improving the facility? This article provides the characteristics of healthcare furniture.
Easy Cleanability
Maintaining high sanitation standards in a healthcare environment is imperative for patients’ and human safety. If hospitals are not clean and sanitized, sick patients with compromised immune systems are prone to contracting other illnesses or infections. Choosing healthcare furniture that is in constant use and contact with many people is advisable for great benefits. For instance, choose nonporous materials for your furniture, like laminate desks and chair coverings, which won’t store bacteria as easily. Vinyl and plastic upholstery that can be wiped and disinfected with cleaning solutions is more easily cleaned than fabrics.
Longevity for Withstanding Heavy Use
Everyone wants long-lasting furniture, especially in healthcare. In a hospital setting, durable furniture means less susceptibility to scuffing or scratches. As a result, these abrasions to the furniture material can harbor harmful germs. Furthermore, healthcare furniture must endure use by all types of people. Moisture-resistant coverings or furniture materials further enhance the longevity of the pieces. Therefore, picking high-quality, constructed furniture means it can withstand long-term use and cleaning.
Ergonomic/Comfort to Promote Well-Being
Patient-centric healthcare furniture should also be comfortable for any patient in any health condition. Ergonomic furniture is particularly designed for comfort. For instance, patients, their families, and the staff need comfortable seating in a waiting area. Geriatric patients require seating to accommodate their reduced mobility and strength when getting out of a seat. Also, bariatric furniture accommodates those with obesity. Seating for these patients typically is wider or doesn’t have constricting armrests.
Safety Features to Prevent Injuries
This may include:
- Footings on beds and chairs to prevent patients from slipping and falling.
- Side handrails help patients with limited mobility safely get in and out of bed.
- Adjustable height beds and chairs help patients enhance circulation and diminish the risk of pressure sores or falls.
- Healthcare furniture with rounded or blunt edges helps prevent accidental injuries during falls or transfers.
Appealing Aesthetics
Designing a pleasant hospital environment can go a long way in elevating morale in an otherwise sterile hospital environment. While the practicality of healthcare furniture is primary in many situations, don’t forgo efforts to form a pleasing space.
Choose Edwards & Hill for Your Office Furniture and Design Needs
Are you ready to redesign your office to maximize productivity and creative thinking? Edwards & Hill can help you design and install the perfect designs for your business. Edwards & Hill is a leading office, education, medical, and hospitality furniture provider with high-quality design and installation services for any style or scale. We have our headquarters in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and another convenient office location in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are ready to get your office design started, contact us online or give us a call at 301-317-4250. For the St. Louis office, please call 314-797-5077. For more furniture design tips, follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Pinterest