Long-term care facilities provide support for those who aren’t able to care for themselves independently because of different factors such as age, illness, disability, or cognitive decline. These facilities focus on assistance with daily living, chronic condition management, as well as quality of life and comfort. Many long-term care facility residents are users of different types of wheelchairs. 

Since a big part of being a resident in a long-term care facility is about daily living, it’s frustrating when a piece of furniture meant to be used multiple times a day just doesn’t work for you. Because of all the different types of disabilities that long-term care facilities cater to, it’s important that their furniture and equipment cater to the individual needs of each resident.

Enhances the Resident Experience

Dining environments are meant to feel welcoming and familiar. A place where someone can relax and enjoy a meal. When a long-term facility has a more home-like dining environment, it supports comfort, autonomy, and overall well-being. An inclusive dining environment also enhances the resident experience by improving emotional well-being, reducing isolation by increasing social interaction, promoting independence, and even supporting better nutrition.

While there are so many benefits to long-term care facilities having inclusive dining environments, sadly, not all of them do. The Inclusion Table is the perfect solution for any long-term care facility. Because the table is split into four mobile sections, the table can adjust up or down, in or out, to cater to any type of wheelchair user. By utilizing the Inclusion Table, long-term care facilities can enhance the experience of their residents by being truly inclusive of everyone.   

Supports Physical and Mental Health

Believe it or not, having an inclusive dining environment for residents in long-term facilities supports their physical and mental health. Firstly, when a dining space is comfortable and inclusive, residents will eat more and better. When there is proper seating and reduced distractions, meals are easier and more enjoyable. So, when a wheelchair user is unable to fit comfortably at the table, they’re uncomfortable and therefore aren’t able to enjoy their meal. Which, if not resolved, can affect the resident’s health, energy, and well-being.

Secondly, for residents in a long-term care facility, meal times are a main daily opportunity for social interaction and connection. An inclusive dining room allows for good conversation, strong relationships, and a sense of community, which is essential for the mental health of residents. When a dining space isn’t inclusive for all the residents, it creates stress and essentially begins to isolate them from being able to participate and socialize with everyone else.

By implementing the Inclusion Table, long-term care facilities support the physical and mental health of their residents by creating a place where they can feel comfortable. 

A Smart Investment for Facilities

Not only does curating an inclusive dining experience in a long-term care facility improve the lives of the residents, but it also helps the facility. Because dining is one of the main parts of daily life in long-term care, it’s important to be inclusive, because it leads to a better dining experience, which leads to happier residents, fewer complaints, and stronger long-term retention. In addition to an inclusive environment being a benefit to a current resident, it can also be a key point with prospective residents. Well-designed, inclusive dining spaces can help facilities stand out and build trust quickly.

Investing in inclusive dining furniture is a smart financial investment for long-term care facilities. Inclusive dining furniture lowers labor costs by reducing time spent assisting residents and rearranging furniture because of the flexible and accessible layout it offers.

Design Features That Matter

Despite popular belief, tables aren’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one wheelchair user might not work for another. That’s why the design features of a table are vital. With the design of the Inclusion Table, you can move each section of the table up or down, depending on the height of the chair. As well as in or out, depending on how far away or close the individual wants to be to the table. With easy-to-use handles to make those adjustments, the user or a caretaker can easily adjust the table as needed. 

Why Choose Us?

The Inclusion Table is the perfect solution for any long-term care facility looking for an accessible solution for its residents. The thoughtful design of the Inclusion Table promotes independence, dignity, and inclusion that would be an amazing addition to the lives of long-term care facilities and their residents. Contact us today to learn more about the Inclusion Table.