Stirling University introduce new innovation in dementia care furniture

The Technology suite has a new addition this week; Wharrams Healthcare Interiors have provided their new Ontario Queen Chair which has been developed specifically for people with dementia.

There was a rare break in the weather when we delivered the new Ontario Chair to Stirling University’s Iris Murdock Building, home of the renowned Stirling University Dementia Services Development Centre Technology Suite. The University is acknowledged as the UK’s centre of excellence in the understanding of care for people with dementia. We were extremely pleased therefore to have our chair, which we had developed over many months displayed within the Technology suite at Stirling.

Stirling University’s Gemma Galbraith and Eileen Richardson were delighted with the chair, its design and commented how the chair was relevant to the care of those with dementia.

The development of the chair came about when we were asked by local care group HICA to develop and produce a chair for their care homes, many of their residents live with dementia and therefore the chair needed to take into account their specific needs. In addition;-

The chair had to have comfort and support of as traditional wing chair It needed to allow the occupant unrestricted view of the surroundings (NO Wings)

It needed however to give the support around the shoulders and provide a feeling of security as you would expect from a tradition wing chair. The design also must produce a chair which has a modern look and feel and although designed for those living with dementia must be suitable for ALL residents of their care homes including infirm or disabled residents.

We used a new fabric by Agua Fabrics for the cover, The ‘Cashmir’ fabric is plain with a tactile feel as well as having care home specification quality; It was Gemma who chose the colour which fitted in with Technology Suite, it is bright and distinctive, a good choice for anyone living with dementia.

Wharrams Healthcare Interiors have been involved in the design, manufacture, fitting out and supply of care home interiors for many years. We are proud to be associated and provider of furniture to Stirling University Dementia Services Development Centre.