Sofa or love seats have become an integral part of senior living facilities and for all the right reasons. Unlike chairs which are designed for individuals, sofas can seat multiple seniors at the same time. This opens the door to socialization and can help to create a warmer and welcoming environment in the senior living centers.
If you think about it, sofas provide the ideal space for sharing laughter, making new friends, and telling great stories. But that's not just the only benefit of love seats or sofas though... According to research, socialization can help protect seniors from anxiety, depression, and feeling lonely.
However, the only way to achieve these benefits and then some more is to make sure that you have picked the right sofa. If the sofa causes pain and is uncomfortable for the seniors, no one would want to sit on it which throws all the benefits of socialization out of the window! In fact, the wrong sofas can even open the doors to potential health problems such as back pain, muscle stiffness, discomfort, and so on. That's why our today's guide is focused on how you can select the best sofa for elderly that fosters socialization and improves their mental/physical health at the same time!
Stability Is Important
The first tip for selecting the right sofa for the elderly is to focus on stability. A sofa with a stable base and sturdy frame plays a pivotal role in improving seniors' safety while promoting ease of use and comfort.
When a senior sits down or stands up, they put all their weight on the sofa. Under these circumstances, a sofa built with a low-quality frame could collapse or break down. That's why it is important to pick sofas that are made from robust materials such as metal as they can easily withstand heavy weight.
Another factor that promotes stability in sofas is the use of non-slip materials. As the name implies, upholstery fabrics like these can minimize the risk of slips or falls which can be really helpful for seniors with balance or mobility issues.
The base or the legs of the sofa should also be reinforced and made from high-quality materials. Once again, it is best to go with sofas made from metal frames as they tend to be more durable than solid wood or other alternatives.
What's inside the sofa also matters a lot when it comes to senior living centers. A good sofa should have reinforced joints and well-secured components to promote longevity and stability.
Check Cushion Firmness
Have you ever seen sofas where it looks like a person has sunk too low into it? That's a trend these days but it is not a great choice for the seniors.
Seniors face mobility issues, which means picking sofas with cushioning that is too soft can make it difficult for them to sit down or get up. In fact, even adults face a hard time getting out of sofa cushions that are too comfortable.
So when you are looking to buy a couch for elderly, go for sofas with a firm cushion that's not too hard and not too soft. The problem with a hard cushion is that sitting for even a couple of minutes becomes outright uncomfortable.
An easy way to gauge the cushion firmness is to look at the foam density used in the sofas. A good sofa should use foam with high density which offers the ideal firmness level.
Check Deck Height
The deck is the area where the sofa's suspension is present and is just under the cushions. The distance between the deck and the floor is known as deck height and is an important consideration for seniors. These days, you may come across sofas with a low deck height and a casual design. One of the major problems with a design like this is that it can get very difficult to get out of the sofa.
In fact, the mere act of sitting down and up from the sofa can put strain on the knees and joints. That's the last thing you would want for the residents of your senior living center to experience. So, another useful tip you need to remember when buying a sofa for the elderly is to check the deck height. Ideally, a deck height that's 20 inches or more is best for seniors as it promotes easy mobility.
Height and Back Angle
Sofas with contemporary style usually feature more laid-back seats with low deck heights. These sofas may look good and cool at first sight but they don't offer the required support needed for sitting up/down.
For a young adult, sofas like these will cause no problems but it becomes a totally different story when we are talking about adults (60 years or older). That's why you should always inquire about the height of the sofa before making any final buying decisions. Ideally, the height of the sofa should be average (not too low or too high).
At the same time, the back angle is also an essential consideration that separates comfort from discomfort. A back angle that's too flat will not allow the seniors to truly relax and could cause back pain in no time. Similarly, a wider angle could make it difficult for the seniors to easily get out of the sofa.
According to experts, the best angle between the backrest and the seat is 108 - 115 degrees. Just like that, the ideal seat height of the sofa for seniors is around 19 to 20 inches or more.
Easy to Clean Upholstery
The next tip that can help you get the best and most practical sofas for seniors is to opt for easy-to-clean upholstery. In a senior living environment, spills and stains are an everyday occurrence. So when you choose sofas with stain-resistant and waterproof fabric, the cleaning process becomes as easy as 1, 2, 3!
On the one hand, a fabric like this will reduce the effort required for upkeep. On the other hand, it will keep the sofas clean and free from disease-causing organisms.
If you think about it, easy-to-clean upholstery offers a win-win situation for both the management and the residents of the senior living center.
Conclusion
Choosing the best sofa for seniors doesn't have to be rocket science at all! As long as you check the stability, cushion firmness, deck height, and comfort level, you will have no trouble making the right decision.
At Yumeya, we understand the importance of high-quality and affordable seating options for the elderly. So, whether you need high-seat sofas for the elderly or a comfortable 2-seater sofa for the elderly, you can count on Yumeya! Make the right choice and go with Yumeya Furniture, where comfort meets affordability without compromising the seniors' well-being!
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