Why Furniture Matters More Than Ever

The new Aged Care Act will come into effect on 1 November 2025, introducing stricter expectations around safety, resident dignity, and environmental quality. For facility managers, this means rethinking every part of the care environment — including furniture.

Furniture is more than just a backdrop. The chairs residents sit in, the tables they gather around, and the beds they rest in all directly affect comfort, safety, and compliance. The good news? Smart choices now can reduce risks, improve resident wellbeing, and keep your facility aligned with the Act’s requirements.

Compliance Meets Comfort: Furniture Under the New Standards

The new Aged Care Act has sharpened the focus on safe, functional, and supportive environments — but compliance doesn’t need to come at the cost of resident comfort. Furniture plays a pivotal role in meeting both requirements: sturdy frames and correct seat heights reduce fall risks, wipe-clean fabrics and moisture barriers strengthen infection control, while homely textures and warm finishes maintain a sense of dignity and wellbeing. Facility managers who choose furniture designed specifically for aged care can feel confident that every chair, table, and bed is working double duty — keeping residents safe, staff supported, and auditors satisfied.

What to focus on: Safety, hygiene, and homelike appeal.

Practical tips:

• Choose healthcare-grade fabrics that are moisture-resistant, antimicrobial, and bleach-cleanable. Avoid porous fabrics that trap odours or stains.

• Opt for rounded corners and chamfered edges on tables and cabinets to reduce injury risk.

• Check seat heights: Dining chairs should be 460–500mm high to support older adults standing up safely.

• Go for wipeable finishes — polyurethane or two-pack lacquers are easier to maintain and withstand frequent cleaning.

• Match infection control with design: Select fabrics in warm, patterned tones to disguise spills and reduce the “clinical” look while still being compliant.

• Audit your existing stock: remove damaged, stained, or unstable items. These are now both a compliance and reputational risk.

Designing for Longevity and Sustainability

When selecting furniture for aged care, it pays to think beyond immediate needs and invest in pieces designed to last. Longevity means choosing durable materials, commercial-grade finishes, and joinery that can withstand daily use, cleaning, and the occasional knock from mobility aids. Sustainability adds another layer: opting for responsibly sourced timbers, low-VOC fabrics, and recyclable components not only reduces environmental impact but also positions your facility as forward-thinking. Furniture that is repairable, reupholsterable, or modular also helps extend its life, reducing replacement costs over time. The result is an interior that looks fresh for longer, saves your budget from frequent refits, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to residents and the environment.

What to focus on: Reducing replacement cycles and aligning with ESG goals.

Practical tips:

• Ask about warranty upfront — 10+ years is now standard for quality commercial furniture. Short warranties often signal low durability.

• Invest in solid frames — kiln-dried hardwood or quality ply instead of particleboard or MDF, which can swell or split.

• Select replaceable covers where possible: zip-off seat covers or removable slip seats extend product life.

• Buy Australian-made: not only does it reduce shipping emissions, but it also ensures faster repair, better spare parts availability, and compliance with local safety standards.

• Choose fabrics rated for 100,000+ Martindale rubs (a measure of wear). Domestic fabrics may look good but won’t last in 24/7 use.

• Think lifecycle costs: calculate the cost per year of use, not just the purchase price. A $1,500 armchair lasting 12 years is cheaper long-term than a $700 import replaced every 4 years.

Dementia-Inclusive and Human-Centred Design

Designing for residents living with dementia goes far beyond aesthetics — it’s about creating environments that reduce confusion, foster independence, and feel safe and familiar. Furniture plays a vital role here: clear contrasts between chairs and flooring help residents navigate spaces confidently, rounded edges minimise injury risks, and consistent layouts support memory and routine. Human-centred design also means choosing furnishings that feel homely rather than institutional, with warm finishes, familiar textures, and comfortable seating that encourages social connection. When facility managers prioritise dementia-inclusive choices, they’re not just meeting compliance standards — they’re actively supporting dignity, wellbeing, and a better quality of life for residents.

What to focus on: Reducing confusion, supporting independence, and making spaces inviting.

Practical tips:

• Use contrasting colours between furniture and flooring (e.g. dark timber against pale carpet) to help residents with low vision distinguish objects.

• Avoid busy patterns that can appear like movement or “holes” to residents with dementia. Opt for gentle textures and simple motifs.

• Choose chairs with firm, supportive cushions (medium-high density foam). Overly soft seating makes standing up difficult.

• Include armrests on all seating in communal spaces — they help residents rise independently and reduce carer intervention.

• Select furniture with a residential look: timber frames, upholstered chairs, and warm tones create familiarity and reduce institutional feel.

• Provide small-scale furniture in social areas: a mix of two-seater sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables encourages conversation in pairs or small groups, rather than isolating residents in large open lounges.

• Outdoor furniture should be lightweight but sturdy, with slip-resistant feet and weather-resistant fabrics, encouraging safe use of gardens.

Smart Furniture: The Emerging Edge

Technology is steadily making its way into aged care furniture, and facility managers are beginning to see the benefits. From chairs with built-in sensors that track posture and reduce fall risks, to smart beds that monitor sleep quality and automatically adjust height for safer transfers, these innovations are no longer futuristic—they’re becoming practical tools for everyday care. Smart furniture can also integrate with nurse-call systems or electronic care records, giving staff real-time data without extra paperwork. For managers, the key is to balance investment with outcomes: start small by trialling one or two smart products in high-risk areas, consult staff on usability, and ensure any tech chosen integrates seamlessly with existing systems. By taking a staged approach, facilities can future-proof their environments while improving safety, efficiency, and resident comfort.

What to focus on: Safety monitoring and staff efficiency.

Practical tips:

• Smart beds can detect when residents leave the bed and alert staff, reducing falls at night.

• Pressure-sensitive cushions in lounge chairs can track sitting times and help prevent pressure injuries.

• Integrated charging ports in side tables or chairs support residents’ growing use of tablets and phones.

• Look for modular designs that can be upgraded later (e.g. retrofitting sensors) so your investment lasts longer.

• Trial tech in one wing before rolling out across the facility — gather staff and resident feedback first.

• Don’t over-tech: ensure the furniture remains intuitive for residents who may resist unfamiliar systems.

Practical Future-Proofing Checklist for Facility Managers

Before approving your next furniture order, run through this checklist:

✅ Are fabrics healthcare-grade, cleanable, and compliant with infection control?
✅ Are tables and seating designed for safety (rounded corners, stable frames, correct seat heights)?
✅ Does this investment reduce replacement cycles and align with sustainability goals?
✅ Is it Australian-made with reliable warranty and supply?
✅ Does the design support dementia-friendly living and resident independence?
✅ Is there scope to integrate smart technology if needed?
✅ Would this pass a compliance audit under the 2025 Aged Care Act?

With the 2025 Aged Care Act soon in force, facility managers need to make procurement decisions that balance compliance, comfort, and cost. Furniture plays a critical role: it’s what residents touch, sit on, and interact with every day. By prioritising infection control, durability, dementia-sensitive design, and emerging technology, managers can create interiors that meet the Act’s standards while enhancing resident wellbeing.

FHG’s Project Consultants are already partnering with aged care facilities across Australia to align interiors with the new Act. Whether it’s reviewing your current furniture stock, specifying compliant new pieces, or planning a staged rollout, our team helps take the stress out of compliance and procurement.

👉 Contact us today to discuss your facility’s furniture strategy for 2025 and beyond.