Furniture for mental health facilities needs to be carefully chosen. Open rooms and bright spaces encourage patients to spend time out of their rooms and engage with other people. This is important in the healing of any mental health diagnosis. Keep reading to find out what is most important to consider when choosing furniture for mental health facilities and offices.
Safety is most important in Mental Health Furniture. The material used to make the furniture and the design must be carefully considered. Environments that are calm and comfortable tend to have a positive effect on people and help them feel more comfortable about the treatment.
Furniture should have additional safety features, including tight joints, screws that cannot be removed, and soft, rounded corners. The pieces should be made of material that is strong and durable, and seating should be made in such a way that there is no extra fabric or screws exposed. Furniture should be residential, not commercial, in style. A calming and simple design should be selected. Mental health facilities are concerned with the safety of patients every day. Using furniture designed especially for this environment is paramount in reducing risks.
Behavioral health centers and hospitals need to reduce ligature points, hoping to reduce opportunities for patient self-harm. Features in a room that a patient could use to harm themselves (such as sharp corners of a table or the arms of a chair) are called ligature points. Ligature points can often lead to attempted suicide by hanging. Ideally, furniture in these settings will have minimal overhangs to reduce ligature points, few sharp edges or corners, and bolt-down options so the furniture cannot be moved. It is also helpful to have open shelving and slanted tops that reduce hiding places.
Guest Rooms in mental health facilities should be peaceful places. Consider placing built-in benches for patients to use for reading or for counselors to sit on while talking to patients. All beds, chairs, and wall protection should be secured and durable to withstand harsh environments and daily use. Large windows and window seats allow patients to relax and enjoy nature even if they are not able to go outside.
Psychiatric Facilities Need Safe Furniture
Behavioral Health Facilities have special needs. Furniture must be durable and tamper-resistant. It should be built so that it prevents the hiding of contraband. Beds, chairs, and other furniture should be built out of one solid piece of material, without joints or slots for concealing things. They should have open cubbies and slanted tops.
Bolt-down furniture is a helpful way to protect patients and staff alike. Keeping furniture in one place increases the safety of everyone. Features that prevent patients from climbing can also be helpful, such as slanted cabinets and recessed shelves.
Environments have a great effect on healing. By providing patients with peaceful and carefully designed spaces, they can begin to heal. It’s important to choose durable furnishings that keep residents safe. This will make a mental health facility effective, attractive, and comfortable.
