Although furnishing needs may vary from institution to institution, all facilities can agree on the basics; institutional furniture needs to be durable and it needs to be safe, while remaining comfortable.
In high-use, challenging environments such as correctional centers or behavioral healthcare facilities, the furniture needs to be able to withstand constant wear and tear without sacrificing an ounce of safety. Additionally, when patients and residents are comfortable, there are many benefits, not only for the individual but for the whole facility.
When sourcing institutional furniture however, it can often feel like the story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears; something very durable may be too rigid and uncomfortable, where as something very comfortable may not be very safe for use in these types of environments.
So how do you find the institutional furniture that is just right?
In facilities where patients and residents may already be in a vulnerable state, the top priority for administration teams sourcing furniture is safety.
For use in challenging environments the best safety feature to look for is anti-ligature. Anti-ligature furniture eliminates any possibility of attaching wires or cords to the furniture, which prevents the possibility of causing harm to oneself or others. Additionally, anti-ligature furniture does not contain any points where cords, ropes, or even bed sheets can be tied down. When installed correctly, anti-ligature furniture utilizes a pick-proof sealant to avoid any damage or the concealment of dangerous contraband.
Anti-ligature furniture comes in all forms and sizes, but durability is a key feature for institutional furniture. In healthcare and correctional facilities the furniture is constantly being used, and needs to be able to withstand wear and tear from everyday, intensive use.
Hard plastic, or reinforced fiber-glass, are excellent, durable material choices for institutional furniture. Not only are these materials nearly indestructible but they are extremely easy to clean and water resistant. Anti-ligature furniture made from these highly durable materials provides facilities with long-term value while increasing resident safety.
Although safety and durability are at the forefront of institutional furniture design, comfort cannot be forgotten! In what can sometimes be a stressful environment it is important for residents to have a place they feel comfortable and at ease. When sourcing institutional furniture, remember this can be a key way to humanize your facility and provide many benefits to patients, residents and even staff members.
For institutional furniture there is no one size fits all solution, you’ll have to find what is just right for your facility!
Max-Secure has been providing anti-ligature furniture to correctional facilities and behavioral healthcare centers for decades. Our industry expertise has allowed us to design and innovate a full line of institutional resident room furniture, that is both completely safe and completely comfortable. For all common areas in your facility, our dining and day room furniture provides the perfect opportunity to help residents feel at ease and promote important socialization.
With Max-Secure, you’ll find the institutional furniture that is just right for your facility!
