1. Use calming color palettes and layered lighting

Color and lighting decisions impact not only how residents feel but also how safely they can move through a space. Choosing calming, biophilic tones like soft terracotta, sandy neutrals, coastal blues, and leafy greens helps create a restorative environment that reduces agitation while maintaining a professional, long-lasting finish that requires minimal upkeep.

In memory care, avoid very dark flooring, which may appear like holes or unsafe areas to residents with cognitive impairment and increase fall risk. Instead, use clear contrast between walls, floors, and furniture to define boundaries and support safe navigation. For example, pair neutral walls with slightly darker casegoods, or select light bedding against a darker bedframe to make furniture edges more visible.

Layering lighting— ambient, task, and night— offers flexibility while reducing unnecessary staff interventions. Well-placed fixtures and durable materials minimize maintenance while providing consistent performance. Circadian lighting systems that mimic natural daylight cycles not only enhance resident sleep but also extend fixture longevity by operating efficiently.

Tip: Add motion-activated nightlights near the bed or pathway to the bathroom. These simple upgrades support safety without disrupting rest and can reduce the number of nighttime staff interactions. 

2. Optimize layouts for safety, privacy, and care delivery

A clear, adaptable layout enables safer navigation and more effective care¹. Private rooms remain the gold standard, as they support dignity, autonomy, and infection control (CMS, 2022). These spaces allow residents to set their own routines and offer family members greater flexibility in visits and personalization.

When private rooms aren’t possible, define individual zones with partial walls, furniture groupings, or curtains to help provide a sense of ownership and spatial boundaries. Layouts should prioritize mobility by maintaining wide, clutter-free pathways (with a minimum turning radius of 5’-7’ and 36″ doorways), using slip-resistant flooring, and eliminating tripping hazards such as cords and loose rugs.

Choose furnishings designed to minimize risk and extend product life. Low-profile beds and rounded-corner furniture improve resident safety by reducing trip hazards and injuries from sharp edges. Built-in cable management systems keep cords organized and out of pathways, lowering the likelihood of accidents and extending product longevity.

Plan for both current and future mobility needs by leaving ample clearance around the bed for lifts, walkers, or wheelchairs. These considerations not only keep residents safe but also ease daily upkeep for staff, reducing the frequency of room repairs and interventions.

Tip: Flexible room designs allow you to plan for evolving care needs and future equipment, supporting aging in place while helping communities avoid costly renovations later

3. Create model rooms that drive ROI on unit turns

Model rooms are more than just a marketing tool — they’re an operational strategy that accelerates move-in readiness and directly impacts Net Operating Income (NOI). On average, unit turns take 22 hours and involve at least three team members. By pre-staging model rooms with durable furnishings, secure accessories, and consistent design standards, operators can cut downtime, reduce labor costs, and convert vacant units into income-generating spaces faster.

Standardized, homelike design also reduces variability in upkeep. Easy-to-clean surfaces, durable fabrics, and secured décor minimize repair calls and streamline maintenance, lowering long-term operating costs. At the same time, thoughtfully curated finishes create a welcoming environment that resonates with prospects and supports faster lease-ups.

Tip for ROI: Use model rooms as templates to streamline procurement and turnover protocols. This consistency not only reduces vacancy loss but also positions communities to stabilize occupancy and maximize returns across every unit turn.

4. Integrate smart technology for safety and convenience

Smart tools, such as voice-activated lighting, thermostats, and call systems help residents manage their environment independently. These systems support routines, provide reminders, and increase comfort by reducing reliance on staff for everyday tasks. AI-enabled sensors enhance fall detection while preserving privacy and promoting peace of mind for care teams and families.

Design for both the technology itself and the people using it. Ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage and provide rooms with tech-ready outlets, USB ports, and easy-to-reach controls. Consider compatibility with accessories like smart plugs or wearable health monitors.

Beyond safety and utility, technology can enhance engagement. Smart TVs, tablets, and video call capabilities help residents stay connected with loved ones and participate in community events. These technologies also support mental stimulation through games, music, and learning apps.

Tip: Prioritize simplicity with large, intuitive icons, precise controls, and concise labeling. Offering training and ongoing support builds confidence and increases tech adoption.

5. Select durable, senior-friendly furnishings

Furniture in resident rooms must balance style, comfort, and safety with long-term durability. Chairs with tipping precautions—such as the Maxwell Thomas® SteadyTech™ anti-tip device—reduce fall risks and liability without sacrificing aesthetics. Recliners with proper seat height (18″–21″), supportive arms, and tip-resistant bases make transfers safer for residents and staff alike.

Beds should be adjustable in height with residential surrounds, allowing for both safer caregiving tasks and a more welcoming, homelike appearance. Coordinated headboards and bedding prevent the room from feeling clinical, while casters with secure locks and discreet storage for fall mats or care tools add both safety and functionality. 

 Looking for more senior living furnishing tips? Download our senior living furniture guide.

6. Choose long-lasting, low-maintenance materials

Materials directly impact upkeep, infection control, and resident safety. Casegoods constructed with thermolaminate or high-pressure laminate resist moisture and harsh cleaning agents, extending product life. Coated fabrics and antimicrobial finishes minimize infection risk while standing up to frequent cleaning.

Design choices should also prioritize maintenance efficiency. Minimal seams, durable coatings, and wipeable surfaces help staff maintain cleanliness quickly and effectively, while still providing soft textures and modern design that elevate the overall look and feel of the space.

Tip: When selecting casegoods, look for drawer glides and hinges that can withstand repeated use and disinfection cycles. Small details, such as edge banding and hardware durability, can make a significant difference in long-term performance.

6. The bottom line: Bringing it all together

Every detail in a resident’s room should contribute to comfort, independence, and safety. From calming palettes and personalized touches to bright lighting and future-ready furnishings, thoughtful design makes a measurable impact on care delivery and resident satisfaction.

A well-designed room doesn’t just feel like home. It improves outcomes, reduces incidents, and helps your community stand out.

Ready to enhance your resident rooms? Contact your Direct Supply account manager today to get started on personalized solutions that promote safety, comfort, and long-term value.

References:
¹ CMS, 2022

FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation units offer similar benefits to NMES. When comparing NMES vs FES, FES therapy specifically aids in neurological rehabilitation as the stimulation is automatically controlled to turn muscle contractions into functional movements.

A FES electric therapy machine device generates body movements for those who may be paralyzed due to Central Nervous System complications.

It is important to carefully examine the exact functionality of a unit you intend to buy, ensuring it fits with your healthcare setting’s care plan – not all CES devices are created equal!

​

How many waveforms for electrical stimulation devices?

Electrical stimulation therapy machines have various waveforms that affect different aspects of the body and musculature. Therefore, having a CES device that features multiple waveforms and intensity levels is essential to fully addressing the needs of your healthcare setting. When seeking out the best electrical stimulator, make sure that the device has at least the following waveforms:

Medium Frequency: Interferential current and/or premodulation – used to address pain

Asymmetrical Biphasic: TENS/NMES – used for stimulation of the nerve fibers and muscles

Symmetrical Waveform: VMS – used for muscle strengthening

Monophasic Waveform: High-voltage pulsed current and microcurrent – used to increase circulation in the tissue

Electrical Stimulation Devices FAQ:

What are the different types of electrical stimulation units?

The different types of  electrostimulation devices include TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) and FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation). 

How do you use an electrical stimulation machine for patient therapy?

A clinical electrical stimulation (CES) device converts electricity into a specific waveform for therapeutic delivery. These distinct currents encourage muscle contraction that leads to strengthening, pain reduction, and a vital increase in blood circulation.

What are the different electrical stimulation waveforms?

There are four different types of electrical stimulation waveforms: medium frequency, symmetrical, asymmetrical, and monophasic.

What else should I ask when choosing the best electrical stimulation device?

Once you have a broad idea of the best electrical stimulation unit for your healthcare setting, the next step is to gain as much information as you can to ensure the device integrates seamlessly into your healthcare setting. If you plan on purchasing a CES device from Direct Supply, contact us for specific answers to these questions and more:

• What waveforms does the device have in it?

• Can you use multiple waveforms at the same time?

• Who will teach my therapist how to use the device?

• What is the warranty on the device?

• Who do my therapists call with questions?

• Can my therapist try the device for a couple of weeks to see how it fits their practice?

• Can you provide references of other facilities using your device?

How to Choose Lifting Slings

First, identify how many patient lift slings slings your healthcare setting needs. While there isn’t one right answer to this question and the quantity will depend greatly on the patient population in a building, below is a general starting point. These per-lift recommendations will change based on the acuity level of patients and body type.

Sit-To-Stand Lifts:

Sit-to-stand lifts help patients who have some mobility, but need assistance rising from a sitting position. Sit-to-stand lifts allow caregivers to comfortably and safely assist mobility patients with sitting and standing. Below are a few sit to stand lift sling considerations:

Standing Slings: 2 medium and 1 large

Standing slings are ideal for patients who can bear half or more of their own weight and have sufficient head and neck control. These types of sit-to-stand lift slings can take patients from a seated to standing position.

Transport Slings: 1 medium and 1 large

Transport slings provide back support up to a patient’s shoulder area and underneath their thighs. Transport sit-to-stand lift slings can be used for seated transports, such as bed to chair or in room transport.

What Are Specialty Patient Slings?

Keep in mind that you may have patients who, based on weight, shape or specific health needs, require other sizes or sling types (hygiene, walking, gait training, repositioning, etc.)

A few examples of patient-specific slings include:

• Bariatric Sling
• Repositioning Sling
• Harness

What materials are slings made from?

Patient lift slings can also be customized to meet specific needs through their sling material. Common lifting lift material includes:

• Poly. Poly slings are the standard lift sling material and are strong and durable.
• Mesh. Mesh slings are commonly used for bathing, as they dry and let go of water easily.
• Padded. Padded Sit-to-Stand sling material offers added comfort for patients.

Lifting Slings Chart: Multi-Brand Compatible Slings

Direct Supply offers a variety of sling and lift solutions for your healthcare setting. Discover our multi-brand compatible sling selection and learn more about this versatile offering in this Multi Brand Sling Vlog.

Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings have passed compatibility testing and are appropriate to use with leading brands of lift equipment. The lifting slings compatibility charts below contain our Direct Supply multi brand compatible sling models, material and size options:

Floor Lift Slings Chart:

Sit-to-Stand Lift Slings Chart:

Shop the full collection of Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings to standardize and save on slings in your healthcare setting.

A best practice is to assess the needs of each individual patient to determine the lift and sling mix you should purchase. Some benefits of purchasing patient-specific slings include:

How Do I Determine What Sling My Resident Needs?

While fit and comfort are important assessment factors when choosing the correct sling, there are other essential considerations to take into account. The determination of the correct sling model and size must be done by a licensed clinician. That designated licensed clinician should:

1. Assess the resident and determine that the resident actually requires a lift/assist device
2. Determine the correct lift/assist device and sling based on the resident assessment and the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the appropriate sling based on the desired function.
3. Document the specific recommended lift/assist device (make, model and weight capacity) and sling (make, model and size – including any specific attachment instructions). Remember, slings can be made of mesh, breathable fabric, nylon, quilted, padded and may have parts that can be plastic or metal. Be specific.

How Do I Ensure Proper Usage?

Having the proper equipment is an excellent start, but making sure your staff and residents know how to use them is absolutely essential. Be sure to follow any and all manufacturer instructions and safety compliance instructions. Additionally, consider these tips:

How to Select a Wheelchair

• Determine the right type of wheelchair
• Size your wheelchair properly
• Select the appropriate features

To a healthy person, sitting in an awkward position is uncomfortable, but for seniors it can be a danger to their health. The first step to finding the correct wheelchair is to select the type of wheelchair your resident is best suited for – a decision largely dependent on the individual resident and how the wheelchair will be used.

Standard Wheelchairs
Standard wheelchairs are the most common type of wheelchair, providing durable construction and high weight capacities. They are more durable than lightweight wheelchairs and generally less expensive, but not as adjustable.

Heavy Duty Wheelchairs
Heavy Duty wheelchairs offer a large-capacity reinforced frame for supreme durability. 

Reclining Wheelchairs or Tilt Wheelchairs
Reclining wheelchairs and tilt wheelchairs provide pressure redistribution for resident-specific support or relief for a range of conditions. These chairs are often part of an individualized care plan based on clinical assessments.

Bariatric Wheelchairs
Bariatric Wheelchairs are the strongest type of wheelchairs, with reinforced steel at all weight-bearing points help provide additional strength. These chairs are available in wider sizes and with higher weight capacities than Heavy-Duty wheelchairs.

How to Choose a Wheelchair Size

The most important measurements you need to take are seat width, back height, seat depth and seat-to-floor height. By providing a wheelchair with the proper dimensions in these four areas, you will avoid some of the most common and dangerous positioning concerns. Measuring all fields will help ensure optimal comfort and safety.

How to Calculate a Resident’s Seat Depth

1. Measure resident’s rear of buttocks to back of knee
2. Subtract 2½”
3. Add thickness of back cushion (if a cushion is used)

How to Determine Seat-to-Floor Height

1. If resident is under 5′5″ tall, use a Hemi size wheelchair with a 17½” seat height
2. If resident is between 5′5″ and 6′2″, use an Adult size wheelchair with a 19½” to 20½” seat height
3. If resident is over 6′2″ tall, use a Tall size wheelchair with a 21½” seat height

Back Height

Seat-to-Floor Height

Wheelchair Features FAQ

Discover the right features to address your resident’s risk factors, activity level and acuity.

What are the different types of wheelchairs?

There are many different types of patient wheelchairs: transport wheelchairs, lightweight wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, heavy-duty wheelchairs, bariatric wheelchairs and reclining wheelchairs. Depending on your wheelchair, learn how to select the best wheelchair cushions.

What are my options for wheelchair armrests?
Full-length armrests provide more support for easier ingress and egress while desk-length options allow the chair to fit easily under most desks or tables. Adjustable and flipback armrests can be raised and lowered to better suit the resident.

What are front riggings, and which does my resident need?
Front riggings are optional front-mounted hardware that provides a place for residents to put their feet. Swingaway footrests support the residents’ feet while they are in the chair and rotate out of the way for easier transfers. Elevating legrests support the legs with comfortable calf pads and allow angle-of-elevation adjustment. Articulating legrests are similar to elevating options, but they extend during elevation for enhanced comfort.

What are my upholstery options, and how are they different?
Vinyl is easier to clean and more durable, while nylon is lighter weight and more breathable.

What does “dual axle” mean?
Dual-axle capabilities mean that your wheelchair can transform from standard to hemi height. Hemi height is about 2″ lower than standard seating. This allows the user to more easily self-propel and is also beneficial for residents shorter than 5′ tall.

What Are the Biggest Factors in Choosing a Wheelchair Cushion Type?

Wheelchair cushions are not a one-size-fits-all solution for your fleet and should be suited to each patient individually. As you make this assessment, the two most important considerations are cushion shape and cushion material, each providing their own set of benefits. These different options cater to unique conditions, however, and using the wrong wheelchair cushion could lead to hazardous positioning. Choosing the best wheelchair seat cushion type can provide long term benefits for patients and can prevent and heal skin breakdown.

What Are the Different Wheelchair Cushion Shapes?

The four most popular wheelchair cushion shape types are saddle-shaped wheelchair cushions, pommel-shaped wheelchair cushions, wedge-shaped wheelchair cushions and anti-thrust wheelchair cushions.

When choosing a wheelchair seat cushion shape type, it’s important to consider a patients’ mobility and positioning needs. Do they need pain pressure relief for posture issues, such as posterior pelvic toilet or pelvic rotation? Skin breakdown can be prevented by choosing a wheelchair cushion type that comfortably positions patients. 

Anti-Thrust Wheelchair Cushions: Used to help mitigate slide for seniors and patients who are constantly moving in their wheelchairs. An anti-thrust wheelchair seat cushion prevents sliding with a high-front and low-back cushion design. 

How Can I Choose the Best Wheelchair Cushion Material?

The three most popular wheelchair cushion material types are foam, gel and air. The materials your wheelchair cushions are made of can have an impact on resident comfort and experiences. Foam wheelchair cushions, gel wheelchair cushions and air wheelchair cushions each present their own set of benefits.

• Foam Cushions for Wheelchairs: Best for maximizing immersion with a greater degree of pressure management and offloading properties.
• Gel Cushions for Wheelchairs: Best for regulating body temperatures and reducing buildup of moisture.
• Air Cushions for Wheelchairs: Best for advanced pressure management and all-day comfort with a cool and dry surface.

Wheelchair Cushion FAQ:

What are the different types of wheelchair cushion shapes?

The four most popular wheelchair cushion shape types are saddle-shaped wheelchair cushions, pommel-shaped wheelchair cushions, wedge-shaped wheelchair cushions and anti-thrust wheelchair cushions.

What are the types of wheelchair cushion material?

The materials your wheelchair cushions are made of can have an impact on resident comfort and experiences. Foam wheelchair cushions, gel wheelchair cushions and air wheelchair cushions each present their own set of benefits.

What are the biggest factors in choosing a wheelchair cushion type?

The overarching two most important considerations are cushion shape and cushion material, each providing their own set of benefits.

The Benefits of Choosing the Best Wheelchair Seat Cushion Type

Knowing how to choose the best wheelchair seat cushions for patients in your healthcare setting can create comfortable wheelchair experiences and prevent pressure sores and skin breakdown. Refer to our blog on using equipment to prevent skin breakdown to see how mattresses and other assistive devices can also increase your patients’ quality of care.

This webinar features Ana Endsjo, National Education Manager for the Long Term Care Division at Permobil, along with Kelly Sullivan, Senior Product Consultant at Direct Supply.

In this webinar, attendees will upgrade their terminology and evaluate why seating specialists refer to a postural abnormality as reducible versus non-reducible. We will discuss when and how to correct or accommodate each of the five postural abnormalities.

This webinar features Cate Reade, MS, RD – Certified Senior Fitness Specialist & Kelly Sullivan – Senior Product Consultant, Direct Supply.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, mobility is the fastest-growing disability with 40% of people ages 65 and older having difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Losing mobility means independence withers away while the risk of falling grows. Discover why unlocking joint function is the key to regaining strength and balance.

In this webinar, we will explore strategies that include simple exercises, breathing techniques and positive intentions that support greater mobility and confidence. Attendees will walk away with actionable steps to help older adults build stronger physical, mental and emotional capabilities to move, feel and live better.

What is health literacy?

Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to understand basic health information and services needed to make suitable health decisions. This session will also cover the critical aspects of selecting or writing patient self-care instructions for transitioning to independent self-care.

This webinar  features Sylvia Aruffo, PhD – Communication Science, Inc. & Kelly Sullivan, Senior Product Consultant – Direct Supply. Learn more about patient education materials here. 

Falls have become a significant problem for seniors in the United States. With one-third of reported falls among those ages 65 and over – and staggering costs that coincide – preventive measures must be taken to identify and treat individuals who are at risk of falls before they occur. Fall risk screening and conditioning programs are designed to do just that. Over the past few years, research has proven how falls and subsequent cost-related injuries decrease with the implementation of these programs.

In this webinar, you will receive an overview of common intrinsic and extrinsic causes of falls among seniors and individuals with existing disabilities, as well as the consequences and current cost-related statistics. Through various methods and evaluations, attendees will learn how they can play an integral role in providing evidenced-based fall risk assessments in their own communities or workplaces. We will then review common clinical balance, gait and strength tests that can be administered to determine fall risk and discuss what a conditioning program consisting of these tests will look like. Lastly, we will explore how basic marketing techniques can be used to promote a fall risk assessment program to seniors and staff in your community.

The Pressure’s On

Hospitals are now taking a closer look at their Post-Acute networks and sending patients only to those facilities that can demonstrate the optimum level of care, including what happens after a patient’s discharge. Administrators and CNOs need to re-evaluate whether they are properly preparing patients as they transition to home.

Patient Education & Preparation Plays a Key Role

But there is good news! An easy way to help improve outcomes, gain referrals and increase satisfaction scores is not with more staff resources or medical procedures, but with some simple tools and communication. Patients who have a clear understanding of their self-care instructions are up to 30% less likely to be readmitted or visit an ER.² In fact, in many cases, using well-crafted discharge materials alone can reduce hospital readmissions by up to 74%.³

Pursuing these strategies may slightly increase operating costs. But, in this new era of value-based reimbursement, rewards are now available to facilities that keep patients out of the hospital.

What to Look for in Patient Education

Not all patient education is created equal. Those old, ineffective pamphlets and teaching techniques don’t cut it anymore. Today’s patient education has been re-engineered to reflect the patient’s point of view and is designed specifically to be used at home – where it matters most. Re-examine your patient education and see if your program is up to the task.

Here are a few of the best practices to look for:

Your Bottom Line

Patient education done right will have a two-fold effect. First, with tightening Post-Acute networks, you’ll be able to help differentiate your facility and create closer ties with referral sources. Second, it may down overall costs. Staff are on-boarded faster and can spend less time teaching. Patients are more engaged and ready for discharge. They understand their role and exactly what to do when they get home. The result is usually lower readmissions and higher satisfaction scores that directly affect your bottom line.

Try Patient Education at Your Organization

Use patient education, including Care Kits, to help you reduce readmissions and avoid penalties. Each Care Kit contains expertly crafted patient education, practical tools and core devices your patients will likely need at discharge. Care Kits are also branded to your facility to differentiate you and help you gain referrals.

¹ Jordan Rau, Medicare Cuts Payments to Nursing Homes Whose Patients Keep Ending Up in Hospital, Kaiser Health Care News, December 3, 2018

² Brian W. Jack, MD, Veerappa K. Chetty, PhD, David Anthony, MD, MSc, et al, “A Reengineered Hospital Discharge Program to Decrease Re-hospitalization,” Annals of Internal Medicine 150(3), Feb. 3, 2009, pp. 178-187, http://www.annals.org/content/150/3/178. abstract

³ Source: Communication Science, Inc makers for Care Kit.