What Flooring Is Safest For Seniors?
Whether you are an aging adult looking to choose safe and beautiful floors for your home, or you are helping your aging loved one find new flooring, there are a few factors to consider; safety chief among them. It is key to ensure that your new flooring choice is both slip- and trip-resistant. Of course, safety is important, but cleaning, comfort, cushion, and function should all be considered when shopping as these factors contribute to finding the perfect floor.
AnPro will suggest some types of flooring suitable for families with elderly people.
- Falling is a real fear for many seniors, especially if they live alone and help is not readily available. Ensuring that the flooring inside seniors’ homes minimizes the risk of falling is a priority.
- Area rugs are a big no-no in spaces where seniors walk. Rugs often slide around, and easily bunch up, and even the slightest height difference could be challenging for some individuals. Thus, area rugs can be a real tripping hazard, which, of course, should be avoided.
- Natural stone is another material that should be avoided. It is very hard and requires regular maintenance, which makes it unforgiving. In addition, the polished stone floor is slippery when wet and can be cold under bare feet. Ceramic and porcelain tiles should also be avoided for the same reasons. Although this material requires very little maintenance, wide grout joints or uneven tiles can create a tripping risk.
Suitable options
Rubber Flooring Is Number One
Rubber flooring is a wonderful option for seniors because it is slip-resistant even when it is wet, making it the safest choice. Another great benefit is its absorbency. If someone were to fall on rubber flooring, it would most likely be less painful than hard surfaces. The cushioning and installation that rubber flooring offers also make it a warmer surface, which helps keep seniors more comfortable. In addition, it also comes in a variety of color options, and it’s easy to maintain, making it not only a functional but aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.
Wood Flooring Is the Runner-Up
Another great option for seniors is wood flooring because it is soft, shock-absorbent, and provides traction, making it slip-resistant. Much like rubber flooring, it not only helps prevent falls but in the event of one, it cushions to reduce the chance of injury. Many wood floors are often finished with sealants, which will make it easy for seniors to wipe down and maintain.
It is important to note that wood floors do not last over time and should not be placed in high-moisture areas, as it is prone to cracks, fading, and dents.
SPC Flooring Can Be Valuable for Seniors
When it comes to SPC flooring, there are a lot of great benefits. It’s easy to maintain, waterproof, and easy to walk on without slipping. Compared to cork and rubber, SPC Flooring is a harder flooring surface, making it less forgiving when it comes to falls. Modern AnPro SPC Flooring comes in a variety of attractive styles, which means you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for function. This affordable flooring is an excellent option for seniors.
If you need help figuring out what flooring types are senior-safe while also fitting your budget and style, the AnPro Flooring experts are here to help. Give us a call for a consultation.