Designed for Dementia Care
Caring for someone with dementia? Choosing the right dementia seating can significantly improve their comfort, safety, and wellbeing. Specially designed dementia chairs provide stability, postural support, and a calming sense of security. The new Atlanta 2™ dementia chair from Seating Matters is clinically designed for people living with dementia. Its cocoon-like shape delivers calming sensory feedback, helping to reduce slips, falls, and agitation.
Both the Atlanta 2™ and Sorrento 2™ chairs are the only dementia chairs in the world in the world to be clinically proven and awarded Dementia Product Accreditation by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling.
A recent international study of 200 allied health professionals caring for people with dementia has reported positive outcomes from using Seating Matters chairs across hospitals, aged care facilities, and home environments.
Key results include:
Plus significant reductions in falls, contractures, and staff supervision requirements, with improvements in independent eating and drinking, alertness, ease of transfers, and overall quality of care.
Please see below for full results of this 2024 study.
The Seating Matters Atlanta 2 and Sorrento 2 are the only chairs in the world to have been officially granted DSDC (Dementia Services Development Centre) accreditation. Following a series of rigorous assessments, both chairs achieved a class 1A, the highest possible rating from the expert judging panel.
Dementia is a condition that causes a decline in cognitive function, making it difficult for individuals to perform their daily activities. It’s a general term that covers a range of symptoms, including memory loss, difficulty with language, disorientation, and changes in mood or behaviour.
Dementia can be caused by various factors such as brain injury, infections, and neurodegenerative disorders, and is more common in older adults. The World Health Organisation says that Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of cases.
The symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the type of dementia and the individual. Some common symptoms include memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, changes in mood and behaviour, disorientation and confusion, and problems with reasoning and judgement.
In the early stages, individuals may experience mild forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, or trouble completing tasks. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced, and may include significant memory loss, confusion about time and place, and difficulty with basic activities of daily living, including basic motor functions.
While there is currently no cure for most types of dementia, early intervention, treatment and support can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life for those living with the condition.
Dementia can have a significant impact on basic motor functions, including balance and mobility. It may be difficult for those who are affected by the condition to maintain an upright position while seated and/or to transition from sitting to standing.
People with dementia are also often prone to jiggling and consistently trying to stand up and walk around. This can be due to agitation and restlessness, confusion, or an attempt to regain control and mobility.
These factors combined generally mean that individuals with dementia are at an increased risk of falls and pressure injuries. The use of inappropriate dementia seating or chairs that lack proper support and comfort can have a further negative impact on quality of life.
Clinical, therapeutic seating is a crucial tool in supporting people living with dementia, providing essential comfort, safety, and postural support for those experiencing physical and cognitive challenges. As dementia rates continue to rise, healthcare providers are increasingly turning to cost-effective interventions that improve both quality of life and care delivery.
Seating Matters chairs are purposefully designed to meet the unique and evolving needs of each individual. Features such as adjustable seat height, tilt-in-space functionality, and built-in pressure relief work together to create a safe, adaptable seating solution that promotes physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.
Both the Sorrento 2™ and Atlanta 2™ chairs have been accredited with a Class 1A rating by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling—highlighting their clinical design and suitability for dementia care environments. The Atlanta 2™ is used globally to help manage symptoms such as agitation and aggressive behaviour, which can otherwise be distressing for individuals, families, and caregivers.
Key benefits include:
Enhanced comfort and postural support
Improved mobility and independence, contributing to greater emotional and physical wellbeing
Reduced risk of falls, pressure injuries, and other complications
Improved communication, interaction, and social engagement
Decreased agitation, stress, and anxiety
Support for dignity and autonomy, helping individuals remain at home longer
Increased safety and ease of care for caregivers and healthcare staff
By integrating clinical therapeutic seating into dementia care plans, providers can offer a safer, more dignified, and person-centred experience for those living with dementia.
The Dementia Product Accreditation is used to help design and identify environments and products suitable for people with dementia. This is judged by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling, who are recognised as world leaders in the field of dementia design. The aim is to improve quality of life and responsive behaviours associated with dementia, such as agitation, aggression and confusion.
To receive accreditation, products go through a rigorous assessment, developed on the DSDC product design principles. These principles include: looks familiar and non-institutional, preserves dignity and sustains abilities, offers a safe and unthreatening world, designed with optimal colour and contrast, designed for the individual, and supports the caregiver.
The Seating Matters Atlanta 2 chair and Sorrento 2 chair are the only chairs in the world to have received this accreditation. Both chairs achieved a Class 1A, the highest possible rating, with respective scores of 95% and 93% from the expert judging panel.
The first step is to Book a Free Seating Assessment.
This personal approach involves testing the range of motion of a patient’s joints, understanding their specific cognitive, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and assessing the standards and impact of their current bed or chair.
On the basis of this assessment and any personal goals of the patient, their family and their care team, a specific Seating Matters chair will be recommended to meet their needs.
Clinical seating can be suitable for people with dementia at various stages, including those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment as well as those with more severe symptoms.
The specific needs and preferences of the individual should always be taken into account. This will be considered during an initial Seating Assessment, with a final Seating Matters chair recommendation provided on the basis of this Assessment.
Yes, our dementia chairs are available to trial.
The first step is to organise a Free Seating Assessment, conducted by a clinically trained Seating Matters Specialist. This Assessment takes approximately 60 minutes and can be completed at home or hospital.
Based on this Assessment, the most suitable Seating Matters chair will be provided for the dementia patient to trial. This will be adjusted to fit them correctly, taking into consideration things like seat depth, seat width and chair height. Postural supports and further customisations can also be added.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 11% of all deaths in 2024.
Dementia is the leading cause of all deaths for women in Australia, accounting for 12.2% of deaths in 2023.
Over 433,000 Australians are living with dementia in 2025. This number is expected to increase to over 812,500 by 2054.
An estimated 1.7 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
The Seating Matters Atlanta 2 and Sorrento 2 dementia chairs have been clinically engineered to support individuals with dementia. They are the only chairs in the world to receive Dementia Product Accreditation from the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling.
The Atlanta 2 chair was clinically designed for dementia patients, including those at risk of falls, or with involuntary movements. Its robust design features an integrated tilt and back angle recline, which enables the patient to sit deep within the chair, improving stability and comfort. The deep seat position and high arm rests create a soothing and reassuring environment to promote relaxation. Atlanta has been recognised with an international Dementia Product Accreditation. It scored 95% and received a Class 1A rating.
The Sorrento 2 chair was designed for highly dependent patients, with a 45-degree tilt in space that helps prevent falling and sliding, minimises the risk of pressure injuries, and accommodates independent transfers. The removable, adjustable arms and lateral supports can also help with posture. Sorrento has been recognised with an international Dementia Product Accreditation. It scored 93% and received a Class 1A rating.
An elderly woman with advanced dementia and paratonia experienced severe pain and poor posture—until the Atlanta 2 chair transformed her care. With improved support, safe transfers, and better positioning, she now sits comfortably for over six hours daily, with reduced pain, increased alertness, and enhanced quality of life.
Up to 40% of people with dementia experience sleep issues that affect their mood, mobility, and overall health. Poor nighttime rest often leads to daytime dozing in unsupportive chairs—causing slouching, agitation, and increased fall risk. Discover how you can help support someone with dementia to sleep better.
Is someone you love living with Alzheimer’s disease? As the condition progresses, various complications can affect their health, comfort, and overall quality of life. The good news is—there are practical ways to help. From proper clinical seating to better postural support, small changes can make a big difference.
Join Seating Matters Founder Martina Tierney and Mental Health OT Eileen Hegarty for a special webinar on quality seating for people with dementia. They explore postural care, sensory feedback, reducing agitation, and how to assess overall seating needs to improve comfort, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Therapeutic seating can play a critical role in reducing agitation, aggression and confusion, three key symptoms associated with dementia. In this webinar, we explore the symptoms and progression of these conditions, and the positive impacts that therapeutic seating can have on the lives of dementia patients.
Valerie, 86, lives in aged care with dementia and reduced mobility. She spent her days slumped in an unsuitable chair, withdrawn and uncomfortable. After trialling the Sorrento chair, her posture improved, pressure reduced, and she began engaging again. With the right support, Valerie regained comfort, independence, and dignity. This is her story.
Seating Matters are changing the world of healthcare seating. We take pride in being at the forefront of seating research and innovation. We want to share our knowledge with the world to ensure no person has to face unnecessary discomfort or mortality.
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This practical guide by world-renowned OT, Martina Tierney will assist you in the prescription and use of therapeutic seating for patients with various conditions. It’s the best place to start.
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