Though falls are common among older adults, they surely aren’t a normal part of aging. Whether you are a senior homeowner wanting to age in place, have an aging loved one around, or own a retirement facility, you can do a lot to reduce the risk of falls by choosing the best flooring for elderly . Begin by tackling the top modifiable risk factors for falls in seniors – poor choice of flooring.
Factors to consider when choosing special flooring
Slip Resistance
The flooring material should offer a non-slip surface for the senior to move around safely and independently. A material with a high coefficient of friction is recommended as it’s highly slip-resistant.
Cushioning
In case your senior happens to trip due to vertigo or any other health issue, the flooring should be able to minimize the impact of the fall. For instance, rubber floorings offer better shock absorption versus vinyl or wooden ones, reducing the risk of serious injuries.
Maintenance
What does it take to clean and maintain the flooring? You are naturally looking for a surfacing that needs minimal maintenance.
Comfort
A few flooring types like ceramic and vinyl tiles are tough on our feet, harming joints of the feet, legs, and knees. This often leads to joint pains and makes the feet feel fatigued after standing or moving for long. Choose floorings that have a gentle springiness, allowing seniors to move around comfortably.
The best flooring for Elderly
Vinyl flooring is waterproof and easy to maintain. Further, vinyl planks are smooth, making it easy for seniors to move around either by foot or with a wheelchair or walker.
One word of caution, though! Since vinyl flooring isn’t as soft as rubber or cork, the landing won’t be soft in case of a fall. To add some cushioning, you may have to invest money and effort to add extra cushioning using a cork underlayment.
Also, vinyl flooring looks and feels like plastic (it is plastic – PVC). When newly installed, it is known to emit toxic gases consisting of VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals), dioxins, ethylene dichloride, and mercury. These emissions are carcinogenic, risking the wellbeing of everyone occupying the area, including seniors.
The modern forms of luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) are quite attractive looking and easy to clean and maintain. So, it seems to be an ideal choice for seniors living all by themselves or in an independent living facility. However, make sure you use it in areas where tripping is not a concern because, as mentioned earlier, vinyl is waterproof.
