Safe Flooring Options for Seniors

If you’re an aging adult, one of your chief health concerns is trip-and-fall accidents. No matter how well you take care of yourself, the fact is that a fall could lead to a major health catastrophe. You may even fall and find yourself in a situation where there’s no one around to help.

One way to minimize the risk of falling is to install the safest flooring for elderly individuals. Let’s look at the best options for flooring to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe.

Hazardous flooring types

Certain flooring types can be hazardous for seniors, as they’re associated with a risk of falling. You should avoid area rugs when you’re looking for safe flooring for seniors. These are liable to slide around and bunch up. A change in the height of the rug then leads to a tripping hazard.

Natural stone is another type of flooring that seniors should avoid. It’s very hard, causing bigger problems if a fall does occur, and requires frequent maintenance. Polished stone flooring is slippery when wet, and can also be cold under bare feet. Other poor choices include ceramic and porcelain, which present many of the same issues as stone.

Rubber flooring

The leading safe flooring for seniors is rubber. That’s because it’s slip-resistant even when wet, which reduces falling hazards. It’s also more absorbent, so if a fall does happen, it will provide more give. Cushioning and insulation in rubber flooring make it a warmer surface, which helps with comfort. Rubber comes in a range of colors and styles, so it’s easy to match to any home’s style.

Cork flooring

Cork flooring is also among the safest flooring for elderly individuals. This is a soft, shock-absorbent material that offers sound traction. It’s slip-resistant and provides cushion in case a fall does occur. Cork floors are often treated with sealant, which will make maintenance simpler.

One disadvantage of cork is that it’s not as durable over the long term as some other types of flooring. Especially in high-moisture areas, cork may become cracked, faded or dented.

Carpet

Wall-to-wall carpeting is a good choice, as it’s smooth, comfortable and soft. In the case of a fall, it provides superior cushion compared to other types of flooring. It’s relatively easy to clean with a vacuum. Though it may be tough to negotiate in a wheelchair, carpeting is still a good flooring choice for many seniors.

Vinyl flooring

This is a very easy-to-maintain type of flooring that has the added benefit of being waterproof. It is somewhat harder than cork or rubber, making it somewhat less forgiving if a fall occurs. Vinyl comes in a range of styles and colors, so you’re bound to find one that fits with your home.

For the best in flooring supplies and installation, turn to the pros at All American Carpet Inc. We’re here to help you find the safest, most comfortable flooring perfect for any seniors in your household. Stop by our showroom today or give us a call for more information.

Categorised in: Flooring