
07-Nov-2016 | Knowledge-Hub
A guide to help you with the selection of fabrics for healthcare applications
In the 17 years that Healthcare Furniture Australian has been involved in the Healthcare industry, one area that has continually changed has been Upholstery. The industry itself over that period has changed extensively, from Facilities with Low Care, High Care and Dementia exclusive areas to being completely aging in place.
This has led to the need for completely impervious materials for upholstery to be used right throughout a facility. Due to incontinence issues experienced by the elderly, it is imperative the materials are non-porous and that cleaning regimes are in place to deal with this on an ongoing basis.
We have seen a lot of changes with Fabric houses trying to meet the growing need to have a variety of upholstery that not only has the qualities that are required such as being impermeable, anti-fungal and anti-microbial but that are attractive to the eye and have the features that will allow for the upholsterer to be able to use the specific fabrics on different pieces of furniture.
Over the years we have experienced numerous issues with upholstery that can be difficult to envisage until we are at the stage of sewing the upholstery on pieces of furniture. Such issues are that the
Other issues that can be experienced are not so noticeable until the furniture and fabric have been used at a facility for a period of time. Some of these that we have also seen
Upholstery should be smooth and easy to clean with few seams, folds or any other place where food and other
Common fabrics that are appropriate for Aged Care are, Zircons,
HFA encourages clients to work closely with them throughout the selection process of fabric and furniture so we can provide guidance and our clients get the benefit of our vast experience and knowledge.