FAQ’s for professionals - static seating
What is involved in a seating assessment?
A seating assessment considers all aspects of the client’s clinical needs and seating requirements including the functions and features required, the dimensions required to meet the clients needs fully and choices regarding fabrics, colours and styles.
Should chairs be trialled by the client?
It is important for clients to see and try chairs, especially if they have not experienced this type of chair before. Clients can often have negative visions of chairs and are often initially reluctant to consider these. The chair trials provide a good opportunity to demonstrate the chair features to the client and ensure that the chair will fully meat their needs.
Should my client sleep in the chair?
We do know that some clients do sleep in their chairs but we would always advise that this isn't the correct use of the equipment. Lying flat in a bed is an important aspect of wellbeing however if the client is unable to access their bed then this should be considered as part of the assessment.
Where can the chairs be purchased from?
Chairs can be purchased from a variety of outlets, via local shops and directly from manufacturers. Whilst this is excellent for client choice is does also open the market to clients purchasing incorrect chairs in terms of features and dimensions. It would always be recommended that chairs from reputable retailers are considered, especially those who are members of a recognised trade body such as British Healthcare Trade Association (BHTA).
Should the chairs be in specific fabrics?
The chair fabric recommendation will depend on where a chair is being used and the client’s needs. If a chair is being used within a care or hospital setting then it needs to meet British Safety Standards of fire retardancy and infection control. These clients may also need specific fabrics on the seat and back of the chair to ensure correct pressure relief and ease of cleaning if the client has incontinence issues.
However, in a more domestic environment then there is a wider choice and less regulation with many chair manufacturers having a wide range of colours and fabrics available to make chair look aesthetically pleasing.
