Questions to ask when sourcing care home seating

Seating in a care home is used intensively, cleaned frequently and has to suit residents with very different needs. Before comparing prices, it is worth agreeing the questions that matter.

Who will use the chair, and how?

Seat height, seat depth and armrest height affect how easily a resident can sit down and stand up. Ask for full dimensions for every model and compare them against your residents' needs, not just the room layout.

How is the frame built?

Ask what the frame is made of and how it is constructed. Some frames are reinforced for demanding environments, for example, a frame strengthened with an extra board for settings that care for people with challenging behaviour.

What is inside the seat?

Zig-zag springs, elasticated webbing and foam on board give different feel and durability. Ask which construction is used in the seat and back.

Which standards apply?

Fire, safety and hygiene requirements differ by country and by setting. Confirm which standards apply in your market and ask the manufacturer for documentation for the specific model, fabric and configuration you are ordering. Do not assume a standard is met because a similar product meets it.

Can it be repeated?

Care groups often furnish several homes over several years. Ask whether the model and finishes can be reproduced consistently for future orders.

Recliners and beds

If you also need recliners or care beds, it can be efficient to source them alongside armchairs. M7 works with a long-standing recliner and armchair manufacturer and with a medical equipment producer founded in 1976.