Running an aged care facility means juggling endless priorities — resident wellbeing, compliance, staffing, families, and budgets. The last thing you need is for an aged care furniture project to become another source of stress.

At FHG, we’ve learned that the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one often comes down to one thing: honest conversations.

Here’s how we take the overwhelm out of furniture projects — with practical steps you can use straight away.

1. We Talk About What Really Matters

It’s easy to dive straight into fabrics, finishes, and catalogues, but that’s not where the real conversation should begin. Every facility is different, and every community has unique needs. For example, a lounge might need to be a gathering point for families, while a dining area may need to accommodate residents with mobility challenges. By taking the time to talk about how a space will actually be used — and by whom — we can design solutions that are practical, comfortable, and meaningful for the people who live and work there.

5 practical ways to do this:

1. Hold a 20-minute staff workshop to get frontline feedback on what works and what doesn’t with current furniture.

2. Ask residents simple questions — e.g. “Which chair feels most comfortable to you?” — to capture genuine input.

3. Review incident reports to see if furniture layout or design has contributed to falls or challenges.

4. Create a short “wish list” of outcomes for the space (e.g. homely dining, easy to clean, supports mobility).

5. Share photos of spaces you admire with your supplier — visuals are often more powerful than words.

2. We Keep It Simple (Even When It’s Complex)

Behind every successful project is a tangle of details — timelines, delivery dates, finishes, and compliance requirements. For facility managers already stretched thin, that level of complexity can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to work with a partner who simplifies the process, distils the noise, and keeps you focused only on the decisions that matter. The right process should leave you feeling supported, not buried in logistics.

5 practical ways we simplify the process:

1. Work with one dedicated Project Consultant who coordinates everything for you.

2. Use a single master schedule to track order, delivery, and installation dates.

3. Bundle products into clear categories (e.g. bedrooms, dining, lounges) to make decisions less overwhelming.

4. Agree on decision-making milestones early, so you don’t face last-minute pressure.

5. Get written updates every fortnight (or as often as you prefer) to avoid chasing information.

3. We Don’t Sugar-Coat

When it comes to furniture in aged care, the wrong choice can create big problems down the track — whether it’s a fabric that doesn’t stand up to cleaning, a chair that isn’t safe for residents, or a lead time that blows out your schedule. Too often, suppliers avoid difficult conversations to “keep things positive,” but that only leads to frustration later. We believe in being upfront from day one. Facility managers value honesty because it builds trust, avoids unnecessary costs, and ensures the final result genuinely works.

5 practical things to ask for in supplier conversations:

1. Ask: “Will this fabric withstand commercial cleaning standards?”

2. Confirm weight capacity on chairs to ensure suitability for all residents.

3. Request samples of fabrics/timbers to test them in the actual environment.

4. Insist on clarity about lead times to avoid project delays.

5. Expect open discussion about cost implications — not surprises later.

4. We Keep It Human

Yes, furniture projects are serious undertakings, but that doesn’t mean they need to feel heavy or clinical. At their heart, they’re about people: residents who want to feel at home, staff who need furniture that supports their work, and families who want welcoming spaces to visit. That’s why we bring warmth, openness, and even humour into the process. Creating spaces that feel good should be a positive experience for everyone involved — and a reminder that dignity and joy belong in the journey, not just the outcome.

5 practical ways to make projects more enjoyable:

1. Include residents in fabric or colour selection where possible — it boosts buy-in and happiness.

2. Share mock-ups or digital renders to help staff and families picture the final outcome.

3. Celebrate milestones (e.g. fabric chosen, first delivery) with your team to keep momentum positive.

4. Encourage open conversation — it’s okay to say, “I don’t like that option” without feeling pressured.

5. Add a touch of personality — whether it’s a bold cushion or a unique timber stain, small choices make spaces feel homely.

5. We Stay After the Install

The end of installation isn’t the end of a project — it’s the beginning of residents and staff truly experiencing their new space. This is often when small details emerge: a table height that needs adjusting, a chair that doesn’t quite suit everyone, or a finish that looks different in natural light. That’s why it’s so important to have a supplier who doesn’t disappear after delivery, but stays engaged to make sure everything works as intended. Ongoing support and accountability give facility managers confidence long after the furniture has arrived.

5 practical things facility managers can do post-install:

1. Conduct a resident feedback session once the furniture is in use.

2. Create a “settling-in checklist” to ensure everything functions as expected.

3. Report any issues immediately — good suppliers will resolve them quickly.

4. Track furniture performance (comfort, durability, cleaning) over the first 3–6 months.

5. Schedule a follow-up conversation with your supplier to discuss ongoing needs.

Final Thoughts

A furniture project doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With honest conversations and a partner who understands aged care, it can be smooth, enjoyable, and deliver lasting results for your residents.

✨ Ready to see how stress-free a furniture project can be?
Let’s start the conversation.

Contact FHG Today