Putting The Ergonomics Into Care
Finding the right chair for the older generation can take forever and a day, because not all chairs are suitable for all people. Ergonomics is used as a rule of thumb. A chair height and depth are recommended as a variable to fit the variations in sizes, but these are not the only dimensions to consider when specifying the right chair in the care environment.
Using different styles, heights and depths of chairs in one space can give a residents a lot of choices; having a variety will give a resident at least one comfortable seat in which to settle for an afternoon’s read. Not only do the dimensions need to be considered, but the relation they have on the rest of chair are just as important.
If a seat height is much higher for a taller person, then the arm height needs to be high above the seat to make the arm user friendly, roughly speaking around 13cm. If the arm is not high enough from the seat, that person may struggle to push themselves back up off the chair when they need to. The angle of the arm also needs to be considered. For best practice, an arm that is 90 degrees from the back of the chair is most practical. Arms that slope down towards the seat may look stylish, but can be ineffective for a people who are trying to push themselves back up out of a chair.
The height of the chair backs should also be varied. A taller wing back chair is great for comfort, but not always best for socialising. High, medium and low chair backs are great for different reasons. High backs offer more support and an occasional snooze, while low and medium backs are great for an activity-based style seating.
Not only do sizes and shapes need to be considered but so does the make-up and fabric of a chair. Most care-based furniture manufacturers in the UK offer pressure relieving foams for the right comfort and these can prevent sores if residents are using the same chairs for long periods of time.
All these factors need to be thought of when choosing each chair in the care environment, and while dining chairs are a whole other subject, this chart will give you a good starting point for a lounge chair.
