Have you ever found yourself in the position of having to buy furniture for an elderly person? It’s not as simple as it sounds. First, you have to contend with different mobility levels (able or disabled) and height, weight, and even acuity issues. If that’s not enough, you should also look at how an elder likes their bed and other essentials.
Interchangeable needs
First, it is important to remember that this person may have special needs. You should look for pieces of furniture that are interchangeable, easy to assemble and adjust as needed. It is also vital that you take into account the limitations of the elderly person's abilities. It is unlikely they will be able to lift heavy objects, so you might have to shop for things that can be lifted or transported easily, for instance, lightweight garden benches.
Modern conveniences
We live in an age that has made life easier with modern conveniences like the seat-elevator. These devices allow the elderly and handicapped, or anyone else that has difficulty getting up from low furniture, to vacuum safely and to a greater height.
On a recent visit with my grandparents, we marveled at the Westinghouse automatic reclining armchair and outdoor chairs. And we were not alone. The local senior center is full of these chairs. When one visits a local assisted living facility, these are the kinds of chairs you find in the lounges and common areas. There are elderly people everywhere sitting comfortably on these seats - some reading a book while resting. It's heartening to see so many people using them.
Material
Aside from comfort, there are two other things to consider when choosing furniture for an older person: durability and safety. Many fabrics used in the upholstery of pieces are not only easy to clean but also easy to stain. The nature of an elderly person’s lifestyle often means frequent spills and accidents. So, if a spill occurs, or even some food is dropped, these types of fabric do not have to be replaced or professionally cleaned. A good test would be to sprinkle some liquid watercolor on the suspected items, if the color dries like it was never there, you’ve got yourself a winner.
Their likes and dislikes matter a lot
Each and every one of our grandparents is a unique person with their own interests, biases, and preferences. Generally speaking, you should not buy them any gift they would never use or want because of some reasons known only to them. So, listen to Grandma next time she screams "No flowers!" when you stop by for an unexpected visit!
Any interior designer or decorator knows that you spend time checking with all the elderly before you start designing a room. Otherwise, it's an expensive battle you'll lose.
My Grandma asked me to go furniture shopping with her. At first, I was annoyed at the time commitment. But then I thought it’s good to save the returns and revisits if they don’t like what I buy for them.
If you’ve ever worked with an elderly person before, you know that they often have very distinct opinions on the way things are done. If you’re in need of home or office furniture, make sure that you enlist their help.
