Safety Considerations When Furnishing A Senior Living Apartment

26 October 2021      

There are some things to take into account when designing a senior living apartment. Providing an aesthetic home for senior residents without compromising safety should be the ultimate goal of any respite homes. Here are the top safety priorities to consider when furnishing a senior living apartment and common spaces:

The 3-Foot Rule

The 3-feet of space principle should be applied between all accessible areas to provide enough room for residents to safely navigate their quarters. The ample space prevents slip, trip and fall accidents while they are trying to move across their living space. Might as well make wheelchairs and walkers accessible too as consideration of the resident's physical limitations.

Seating

When selecting designs for couches, dining chairs and patio, make sure to take into account the functionality of the furniture and not merely its aesthetic features. Opt for designs that are comfortable and firm to sit on. Select chairs that have arms, firm back, decent height, and easy to get in and out of. You may also want to get chairs that use stain-resistant and anti-microbial fabric if possible.

Lighting

When planning the accent lighting, make sure table and floor lamps are strategically placed where they are visually appealing without jeopardizing the functionality. It's important that they are easy to access and won't cause tripping accidents. In addition, accent lighting should be taken into account in or around areas that are prone to fall hazards.

For more senior living designing and furnishing tips, contact SeniorDecor.