The Overlooked Factor in Suicide Prevention: Institutional Furniture Choices

Photo by irfan hakim on Unsplash

Suicide prevention measures are necessary in many hospitals, prisons, and psychiatric treatment centers. Anti-suicide furnishings help facilities implement these measures and keep residents safe from harm. Why are they needed to create a safe environment for those who are vulnerable? 

Seating

Many facilities have specially designed chairs to prevent self harm. Every person within the facility needs a seat, particularly when everyone gathers in one location. A traditional chair can be used in numerous ways to harm oneself, which is why these facilities are seeking better options.

The specially designed chair features smooth, rounded edges, preventing a person in crisis from attaching ligatures to the chair and using them to harm themselves. The reinforced legs on these chairs attach to the floor, so nobody can pick them up, break them apart, and use the pieces as weapons. 

Furthermore, some chairs feature breakaway elements. If a person tries to use the chair to hang themselves, the chair will collapse under the excessive weight. This feature thwarts their attempt to harm themselves. 

People often worry the chairs won’t be functional or visually appealing. Manufacturers understand this is a concern and create functional and comfortable chairs that blend nicely with other decor. These features aren’t sacrificed to make a safe chair. 

Bedding

Residents of these institutions spend several hours each day in bed, so the furnishings must be safe for use. Bed frames are designed to eliminate potential ligature anchor points, and they feature solid bases instead of conventional slats and springs. Heavy-duty materials are used for the mattresses to ensure people can manipulate or destroy them. In addition, some models now feature built-in pressure sensors. Suppose a person doesn’t move for an extended period. In that case, staff members receive an alert, so they can check the individual to determine if they are having a medical emergency or attempted suicide. 

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a high-risk area in these facilities. Many people attempt to commit suicide in bathrooms, as they have various tools they may use for this purpose. Facilities are now investing in anti-suicide fixtures to reduce these risks. They purchase collapsible or breakaway faucets, tissue holders, and showerheads. If a person attempts to use them as ligature points, they will fail. Shatter-resistant mirrors and those with polished surfaces are used in place of traditional glass mirrors, so a person can’t break the mirror and use the broken glass to harm themselves. The facilities take this a step further and install tamper-resistant drain covers that have no ligature points. 

Safety and Dignity-

When selecting items for a facility, the goal is to find items that keep occupants safe without causing psychological harm. An environment with an institutional feel can worsen a person’s mental health and leave them feeling hopeless. They need a normal living space that is safe so they can retain their dignity. Warm colors, natural elements, and furniture that isn’t obviously designed to prevent suicide will provide this environment. 

While these furnishings come with higher price tags, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Lives will be saved, the facility will have less liability, and workers won’t need to monitor the residents continuously. Safety outcomes improve, which is the most important thing, and therapeutic environments are more positive. Every facility should consider investing in anti-suicide furnishings. No price can be put on the peace of mind facility managers receive when they know they are doing everything to keep their residents safe.