One size does not fit all. If you’ve flown on an airplane, gone to a theater or a professional sporting event you know that is true. Bariatric seating design must consider a wide variety of body types and be built to accommodate them all. A bariatric chair should support at least 500 pounds. There is more to consider than just the structure and support of bariatric seating, especially in healthcare settings. It is important to treat an obese patient with the same respect as any other patient in the hospital. That begins with the furniture in the lobbies, reception, and treatment areas.
Treating Bariatric Patients with Respect
Forward-thinking, patient-centered care should extend beyond the patient’s illness. It should cover the entire patient’s well-being. Part of the problem could be a hesitation to look beyond the overweight person’s weight. There is a stigma attached to obese patients. Their weight is the first thing care givers see no matter what ailment has brought them to the hospital. Often, weight may be the underlying cause of their illnesses even if it is not.
Bariatric seating in healthcare with style
While the most important feature of all bariatric seating must be safety, the style of the seating is important too. No one wants to be relegated to a seat that plays up the fact that they may be overweight, and that weight is an issue. A structurally sound seat upholstered in stunning, bleach cleanable vinyl is inviting. Bariatric seating should also blend in with standard seating in the space. Kwalu’s stylish Terrasini Bariatric is that chair. The width of the seat and back is wider and the Terrasini is available in two back heights.
Bariatric seating integration in lobby spaces
Bariatric patients and guests should feel included, not ostracized. Hospital design trends are focusing on integrating seating for bariatric patients, like the Modena Bariatric from Kwalu, that seamlessly fit into waiting spaces so larger sizes can sit comfortably with everyone else. Bariatric furniture design that focuses on accommodating generous proportions works best when built for maximum stability and strength by incorporating solid steel in all joints. To further support bariatric seating integration, bariatric teams should be employed by hospitals to consult on mobility and care throughout the entire hospital stay.