Specifying window and soft furnishings for aged care: a compliance guide

Specifying window and soft furnishings for an aged-care facility involves more than choosing colours and fabrics. The window treatments in a residential aged-care environment need to function reliably, withstand clinical cleaning, meet safety requirements for vulnerable residents, and look appropriate for a home-like setting. This guide covers the main considerations.

Cord safety

Looped or accessible cords present a ligature and entanglement risk in aged-care environments. Australian Standard AS/NZS 8124.2 covers cord-operated window coverings, and the intent of current aged-care guidelines is to minimise or eliminate cord hazards in resident rooms and common areas. Motorisation, wand controls, or cordless mechanisms are the appropriate specification for most areas where residents have independent access. Where cords are used, they should be tensioned and secured at a height that prevents looping.

Fabric performance

Fabrics in aged-care facilities are subject to more frequent cleaning than domestic settings, often with hospital-grade cleaning products. The key performance requirements are:

• Wipe-clean surface that does not degrade under regular disinfectant use
• Colour stability that does not bleach or mark with cleaning products
• Structural integrity that holds up to repeated handling
• Where relevant, resistance to bodily fluid contact

Roller blind fabrics with a PVC or polyester base tend to perform well in this context. Curtain fabrics need to be assessed for their cleanability and specified accordingly, particularly in rooms with higher contamination risk. Screen or sunscreen fabrics are easier to maintain in common areas where the cleaning requirement is regular but not intensive.

Light control and privacy

Bedroom windows in aged-care facilities require blockout or near-blockout treatment for residents who sleep during the day or have light sensitivity. Privacy is also a consideration in assessment rooms, consulting spaces, and areas where personal care is provided. Living and common areas typically need a softer light-diffusing treatment that allows natural light while reducing glare.

Where a window faces east or west and receives direct sun at certain times of day, a dual system, such as a sheer and a blockout on the same track, can provide flexibility without requiring two separate installation points.

Motorisation

Motorised window coverings offer significant advantages in aged-care: no cords, operation by switch or remote, and the option to integrate with building automation systems if required. They also reduce physical strain on staff who might otherwise operate manual systems across a large number of rooms. Battery-powered motorisation is suitable for most standard window applications and avoids the need for electrician involvement in the installation.

Choosing a supplier

For an aged-care facility, particularly one outside a capital city, the supplier relationship matters as much as the product specification. Key questions to ask:

• Does the supplier make the furnishings themselves, or are they a reseller?
• Do they carry appropriate insurance for working in a healthcare environment?
• Can they provide references from comparable facilities?
• What is the process for warranty claims and adjustments after installation?
• Do they have the capacity to service your facility on an ongoing basis?

A supplier who makes and installs with their own team will generally be more accountable for the outcome than one who subcontracts installation. For a regional or rural facility, a local or regional supplier who can attend for adjustments without a lengthy delay is worth prioritising.

Working with Quicksew

Quicksew makes and installs window and soft furnishings for aged-care facilities across regional New South Wales from our workroom in Bathurst. We use our own installation team, carry appropriate insurance, and can provide fabric specifications for compliance review on request. Contact us to discuss your project.