Choosing furniture for extreme behaviour and high care health environments can be a difficult task. It must be safe, robust, hygienic and functional to create a therapeutic environment that meets the needs of patients, staff and visitors.

With one in five (20%) Australians experiencing a mental illness in any year¹ and almost half (45%) of Australians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, it’s important that the healthcare system rises to the challenge.
 
 

How Mental Health Facilities Have Evolved

The modern healthcare system provides patients with access to a wider range of treatment options, as well as the right to choose treatment facilities and services more aligned to their personal needs.

As mental health disorders have become accepted as legitimate health issues, the design of treatment facilities has developed to meet the growing need. Many organisations are embracing a more holistic view when designing facilities to create therapeutic spaces that are warm and inviting, over against the traditional cold institutional clinics of the past.
 
 

Challenges Presented by Mental Health Environments

According to the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults, almost half (45%) of the population in this age range will experience a mental illness at some point in their life, whilst the Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that 1 in 7 children between the age of 0-17 will experience a mental illness.

From strong rotund adults who may not be conscious of the need to care for property, to young children and women who need some care and protection.Not only does the furniture have to withstand the strains that come with challenging behaviours, mental health care furniture must meet strict regulations to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors.
 
 

What Should You Look For When Choosing Furniture for Mental Health Environments?

Mental Health Furniture needs to be strong, durable and above all – safe.

The Crown Furniture range of robust furniture has been designed to ensure the safety of patients and care staff. Features that ensure this furniture is fit-for-purpose include anti-ligature design, anti-slash seams, reinforced and robust construction to provide longevity, and tamper-proof security fasteners.

Every detail is considered, including:

• Lounges with full timber reinforced internal construction for extra strength. Plywood base panels fitted with security screws – no exposed staples to avoid using for self-harm.
• Safe Bean Bags with Fire-Retardant foam core that are fully stitched or welded
• Fully enclosed upholstery to prevent concealment of contraband.
• Secure foam mattresses with covers manufactured using reinforced vinyl with welded seams to provide exceptional tear resistance.
• Full foam lounges that are ergonomic, lightweight, and upholstered in durable vinyl that is securely stitched & welded. No exposed zips or use of internal components ensures these cannot be used as potential weapons.
• High-performance commercial vinyl which meet strict criteria for cleaning, infection control, fire retardancy & durability.
• Weighted furniture to increase stability and prevent misuse.
• Many products can be secured to floor or wall to prevent mishandling.
• Tough and sturdy designs, offering stability and security.
 
 

At Crown Furniture, safety and function are always our highest priorities:

Most importantly, our furniture is designed to be comfortable and inviting, humanising even the most secure environments so patients, staff and visitors feel welcomed and relaxed.

When choosing furniture for mental health environments, there is a wide range of specialist issues that need to be taken into consideration. This is why it’s important to work with a furniture company that understands the risks, challenges and unique needs of the mental health environment.

Many preventable accidents and incidents can happen due to furniture not being used safely. For a mental health facility, this can lead to potential injuries of patients, staff or visitors as well as lawsuits from patients or family members.
 
 

[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being: Summary of results. Catalogue No. 4326.0.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Bureau of Statistics