Among the many risks healthcare administrators have to deal with, the risk of patient falls can be one of the most damaging to the organization. Falls, and the injuries they cause, are a major contributor to an epidemic of medical errors that cost the U.S. healthcare system anywhere from $17 billion to $29 billion a year. But here's some promising news: Many patient falls are preventable, if you pay attention to sound design for your facility's furniture.

Reducing patient falls is the second goal in The Center for Health Design's checklist for evidence-based design. Features in the patient environment account for up to 15% of falls, so you can make a big difference when you buy furniture that makes it easier for patients to move from a standing to sitting position and back again.

Chair seat height, foot position, and use of armrests all are important in easing patient movement and minimizing the risk of accidents. Seat height should be adjustable where possible. Chairs should leave space for patients to adjust their foot position comfortably. Furniture should have no sharp or hard edges that could injure a patient who trips or falls.

At Furniture Concepts we are proud to work with facilities that put safety first, and our products reflect their mission. Our heavy-use seating features firm cushions that ease patient movement. Our pieces are extremely tough, able to withstand heavy amounts of weight without tipping over. We design our products to work for patients of all ability levels, maximizing their comfort, safety and independence.

Your organization can successfully avoid many of the problems that contribute to falls, which continue to be the leading adverse incident reported in hospitals. Let us partner with you to promote a culture of safety in your organization. We will work with you to create a safe environment that gives your staff, patients and families greater peace of mind.

Topics: Health Care Furniture, Group Furniture Buying Advice, Behavioral Healthcare Furniture, Limited Mobility Furniture, Health Care, Furniture for Seniors, safe furniture, risk management

With an intimidating number of choices in the marketplace, the people who are tasked with purchasing furniture for healthcare environments can often be left feeling overwhelmed. As with many decisions, one typically chooses the path of least resistance and purchases what is readily available and for the lowest cost. While this strategy may appear to work well in the short-term, it fails to account for whether these choices offer the best long-term investment. 

Topics: Health Care Furniture, Interior Design Advice of Group Living Facilities, Contract Furniture, Behavioral Healthcare Furniture, group living furniture, heavy use furniture, Furniture Tips, Health Care

Containing healthcare associated infections (HAIs) could not be a more timely priority for healthcare facilities, given the heightened demands brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. While many institutions have adopted strategies to keep high-risk objects clean, these efforts often fall short because of inadequate staff training or inconsistent execution -

Topics: Health Care Furniture, Group Furniture Buying Advice, Wood Furniture, Health Care, Disinfect Furniture, How to clean furniture, risk management

Managing risk in a healthcare setting becomes a complex task, requiring organizations to consider both the overtly unsafe act and the hidden danger in the environment. Each facility will have its own risk profile based on the characteristics of its physical space, workforce, and populations served. This is why it's so important to have access to tailored solutions that can correct any shortcomings in a facility's furniture and equipment.

Topics: Health Care Furniture, durable furniture, Contract Furniture, Behavioral Healthcare Furniture, heavy duty furniture, Health Care, Furniture for Seniors, safe furniture, risk management

Unfortunately, we just cannot sugar coat it: 2020 has been quite a trying year. None of us has been left unscathed. The most serious public health crisis in modern history has descended upon us bringing hardship and uncertainty. In these trying times, one must always search for the silver lining and for us, it is the ultimate reminder of how much we all rely and thrive on human connection. At Furniture Concepts, we will use that knowledge to guide us as we chart an exciting course for 2021.

Topics: Behavioral Healthcare Furniture, Summer Camp Furniture, Limited Mobility Furniture, Furniture Tips, high-Risk Environments