According to the CDC, three million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries and one out of every five falls causes a serious injury.*
When recommending flooring options for seniors, consider which options can help reduce the potential for them to fall and seriously hurt themselves.
When you’re working on a senior’s home, you’ll want to go with flooring options that are safe, supportive, and stylish. Keep reading to learn more about safe flooring for aging in place or contact Landmark Interiors.
The Value of Aging in Place
A home is more than just a house. It’s the place where people make memories and feel safe, comfortable, and secure. This is why many seniors prefer to age in place, instead of moving to an assisted living facility.
Staying in the same place throughout their golden years allows senior citizens to be in a familiar environment, filled with objects that have sentimental value. This can do wonders for a person’s memory, morale, and well-being.
Since the value of aging in place is essentially priceless, choosing the right flooring for an aging client’s home is an incredibly important decision.
Reduce Injuries From Falls With Heterogeneous Flooring
The ideal flooring for aging in place should provide ergonomic support and soften the impact if a fall occurs. This combination reduces the possibility of serious injuries. Heterogeneous flooring is a smart, stylish option that does just this.
So, what is heterogeneous flooring? It’s a multi-layer surface that’s similar to vinyl. These layers give the floor some cushioning, which can help reduce injuries if a fall occurs.
In addition to offering more support, heterogeneous flooring also has no separation between boards or planks, like hardwood flooring does.
This means there are no gaps or divots that could potentially cause an aging resident to trip when they walk through a dark room to use the bathroom at night.
Another advantage of using smooth, consistent heterogeneous flooring is that it can prevent moisture from seeping into the floor and causing water damage. This includes buckling, which can create obstacles for a wheelchair or walker.
Carpet vs Heterogeneous Flooring
Carpet is another flooring option worth considering, since it’s usually soft and offers some cushioning.
However, it can cause issues for mobility aids, like wheelchairs and walkers. It’s easy for these mobility aids to get snagged on carpets, which can limit mobility or create a tripping hazard.
A smooth surface, with no resistance or tripping hazards, is a more practical choice for a space with older adults who need assistance. With no divots and a slip-resistant design, heterogeneous flooring allows seniors with mobility aids to get around safely and easily.
Age in Place Safely Without Sacrificing Style
Aging in place doesn’t mean sacrificing style for comfort. With heterogeneous flooring, seniors can enjoy peace of mind with surfaces that promote safety, while admiring floors that look modern and contemporary.
Many heterogenous floors come in realistic wood-grain patterns that look just like the real thing. For example, Landmark Interiors products are available in color options, such as:
These options come in simple patterns, which can be a better option for aging in place. Patterns that are too loud can create confusion or cause dizziness, potentially leading to falls or other injuries.
To get a better idea of how these colors work in a space or with a design plan, check out our Floor Visualizer.
Discuss Safe Flooring Options for Aging Communities With Fishman Flooring Solutions Today
If you’re preparing for a project with an older adult population in mind, contact Fishman Flooring Solutions to discuss options, like Endurance Sport flooring, from Landmark Interiors.
It’s a great-looking flooring option that’s available as one smooth 6’x30’ roll and features both a slip-resistant surface and cushion backing.
To learn more and consult our experienced staff before your next project, contact us today!