Clinical Seating for Dementia

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 to assist people who are living with dementia, providing comfort, safety and support for those with physical and cognitive symptoms.

Seating Matters chairs are designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of the individual, offering adjustable height, tilt-in-space and pressure relief, amongst other features.

Benefits include:

• Improved general comfort and security. 
• Improved mobility and independence, leading to greater physical and emotional wellbeing. 
• Significantly reduced risk of falls, discomfort, pressure sores and other injuries. 
• Improved communication and social engagement.
• Reduced agitation and stress. 
• Maintenance of independence and dignity, including staying at home for longer periods.
• Improved safety and ease of care for caregivers, nurses and staff in care facilities.

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 and environments 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 chair and Sorrento chair are the first 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 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 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.