Helpful Furniture

Sometimes the right furniture makes all the difference.     

Caregivers may have clients who gradually have come to need a hospital bed or lift chair.  However they might get some resistance to the idea, as people like their own familiar things.  Clients can also be understandably.... reluctant to replace things that still have many years of good use.   Also, specialized care furniture can be a daily reminder of restricted mobility, much like a walker or wheelchair.

Caregivers, on the other hand, should have an eye to safety and practicality.  While it can be a bit of a challenge to disguise, some special needs furniture, like hospital beds, clients may find that once they get used to them the benefits eventually win them over.  A good, appropriate bed can make all the difference in safety, comfort, and even cleanliness.   

Lift chairs can be a real help, also.  Their main drawback is often their expense, but usually they at least look like regular recliners, and they can be a big aide to mobility, whether the client is assisted or more independent.    Keep an eye on available materials, however.  Where conditions dictate, some vinyl coverings are far easier to clean thoroughly than woven fabrics.

Caregivers can bring a fresh perspective to home furnishings, as well as to other aspects of living safely and comfortably at home.  For clients concerned about affordability, it can be helpful to ask a reliable medical supply store to explore possibilities of reimbursement for prescribed items.  While the reimbursement may not cover the full cost of desired items, sometimes it can help offset some of the cost.  Lastly, for the adventurous, there are sometimes used items available in your care network.