Improving care homes with outdoor furniture and new windows

The UK’s care sector faces challenges ranging from rising costs to tight margins and staff shortages – although there’s also huge potential for growth if these issues are addressed. Against this backdrop, if you run a care home it’s more important than ever to keep it looking its best to attract and retain residents and staff.

At the same time, enhancing care home facilities will boost residents’ wellbeing, help engender a positive living environment and keep residents safe, comfortable and happy.

If you’re looking to improve a care facility you run, here are some things to think about:

Replacement windows

There are numerous advantages to replacement windows in a care home setting. They create a more comfortable living environment for residents and reduce the amount of maintenance you have to do, for starters. Equally, smart new windows will enhance the appearance of your venue. So families looking around with a view to moving a loved one in will certainly notice them.

In terms of energy efficiency, modern windows reduce heat loss, especially if they have double or triple glazing, in turn bringing down energy bills. And having less noise pollution thanks to high-performing windows can make life more peaceful.

Additionally, you reduce your home’s carbon footprint and help meet net zero targets. The government and regulatory bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are increasingly prioritising sustainability in care homes and will potentially penalise those which fall short.

Care home chairs

Care home chairs really matter given their impact on resident wellbeing and comfort. Good ones improve circulation and encourage good posture, for example, while reducing the risk of pressure sores and similar skin issues. Residents will tend to be more alert if they sit upright, while the right chairs make it easier to transfer residents in and out of them, making slips and falls and the associated injuries less likely.

Finally, supportive chairs will help residents to develop a better tolerance of sitting and, ultimately, muscle strength, which can play a vital role in future mobility.

Teak furniture

The emotional and psychological benefits of having safe, attractive and carefully planned open-air areas are well known, but are even more important for care home residents. Such spaces offer sensory stimulation and help maintain an active lifestyle. Even being outside for a short time can reduce blood pressure, boost Vitamin D absorption and improve stability, balance and sleep. A well-planned care facility garden maximises chances for residents to socialise, while also offering private spots for quiet reflection.

Teak furniture completes a garden. Residents and visitors can use it as they sit, pause and draw breath. It’s also very elegant, so gives an excellent impression to anyone seeing the home for the first time. This low-maintenance, stylish wood stays looking good over decades and you can leave it outside in all conditions, from hail to heatwaves. Plus it remains highly comfortable in all weathers, since it can regulate its own temperature.

Finally, there’s plenty of choice from which to pick the perfect pieces, whether you’re creating a serene garden spot or a vibrant patio area.